Driving after dark can feel a little different. You can’t see as well, and it’s harder to spot things like cyclists, pedestrians and motorbikes. Plus, you might feel more tired than usual.
Here’s our advice on how to stay safe on the roads after dark.
What are the dangers of driving at night?
Driving in the dark can be riskier than driving in daylight. Here are some common hazards and why they matter.
Reduced visibility
It’s harder to see the road, signs and other vehicles in the dark. Headlights only light a short distance ahead, so spotting hazards or pedestrians can take longer.
Glare
Bright headlights from oncoming traffic or reflections on wet roads can dazzle you. Glare makes it harder to judge the distance and speed of other cars. This can be especially difficult on rural or unlit roads, so take your time and slow down if you need to.
Age
Our eyes change as we get older. We often find it harder to see in the dark as we age, and it takes us longer to recover from glare.
If you're an older driver, this is why you might find it harder to drive at night.
Impaired drivers
Driving at night could mean sharing the road with drivers who’ve had alcohol or drugs.
This can slow their reactions and cloud their judgement, making their driving more dangerous.
Stay extra alert. If you spot someone driving dangerously, pull back and keep a safe distance from them. As soon as you can, pull over somewhere safe before noting their number plate or any other details. Then report it to the police.
Driver fatigue
Feeling tired behind the wheel slows your reactions. Long drives, shift work or late-night trips can raise the chances of falling asleep at the wheel or losing focus.
Make sure you stay alert and stop somewhere safe if you need to have a rest.
Wildlife
Animals are often more active at night, especially in rural areas. Sudden crossings can cause collisions, so stay alert and slow down if there are wildlife signs.
How to stay safe when night driving
Follow these tips for driving at night to make it easier and safer.
Use the right lights
Most new cars switch on daytime running lights automatically. But at dusk, turn on your dipped headlights so other drivers can see you too.
Some cars have automatic dipped beams that adjust to the light around you.
You should only use full beam when it’s completely dark and there are no other cars close by.
Always switch back to dipped headlights when you see oncoming traffic. That way, you won’t dazzle other drivers.
Check your lights work
Have a quick look to make sure all these car lights work before you set off:
- Headlights
- Indicators
- Number plate bulb
It’s a legal requirement to keep them in good condition. Remember to replace any bulbs that have gone out as soon as you can.
Here are some other common driving habits that might be illegal.
Get regular eye checks
It’s normal for driving in the dark to feel harder as we age. That’s because our eyes take longer to adjust to low light.
The law says you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away (with glasses if you wear them).
Next time you’re in a parked car, check you can do this – it's roughly four car lengths, or about 25 to 30 adult steps. If you struggle, book an eye test straight away.
You should have a full eye test every two years, or sooner if your optician suggests. Proposed new UK driving rules could mean drivers over 70 will need an eye test every three years to keep their licence.
Watch out for tiredness
Feeling sleepy slows down your reactions.
If you're feeling tired, your eyelids might feel heavy and you could:
- drift out of your lane
- forget where you’re driving or how long you’ve been driving for
If you’re on a long trip through the night, you should find a safe place to take a break every two hours. Have a snack, drink and quick rest before you head off again.
Avoid distractions
You need all your attention when you're driving at night. Here’s how to stay focused:
- Keep your phone screen out of sight
- Dim your dashboard lights
- Switch off interior lights to reduce glare
Keep your windows clean
Condensation and dirt can make night glare worse and make it harder to react in time to something in the road. Wipe your windows often to keep them clear.
Avoid looking directly at car headlights
Bright lights from other cars can dazzle you. If they're blinding, keep looking towards the left side of the road and follow the lane markings until the glare has passed.
What safety equipment to pack when driving at night
We recommend having these items in your car in case you break down at night:
- Torch and spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Reflective warning triangles
- Power bank or charger for your phone
- High-vis jacket
- Warm clothes and blankets
- Jump leads
- De-icer
- Ice scraper
Here are some more emergency items to keep in your car or van, so you can stay prepared.
If you're not sure what else to do, here's our guide on what to do if your car breaks down.
Just started driving?
Here's some more advice and tips for young drivers to staying safe on the roads.
