Driving At Night: Essential Tips To Stay Safe on Roads

Driving at night can be challenging and risky, especially in Reading, Berkshire, where there are many busy roads, roundabouts, and traffic lights. According to the Department for Transport, fatal accidents are three times more likely at night than during the day. The main reason for this is the reduced visibility and increased glare that drivers face at night. However, there are some tips and precautions that can help you stay safe and confident while driving at night in Reading. Here are some important tips to stay safe while driving at night:

1. Follow the Highway Code

The Highway Code is a set of rules and guidance for all road users in the UK, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders. It covers various aspects of road safety, such as speed limits, traffic signs, signals, lane discipline, overtaking, parking, and breakdowns. You should always follow the Highway Code when driving at night, as it will help you avoid collisions and penalties. You can order a copy of the Highway Code book online or read it on the GOV.UK website.

2. Check Your Vehicle Condition

Before you set off for a night-time drive in Reading, you should make sure that your vehicle is in good condition and meets the legal requirements. You should check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights to make sure they are working properly and are clean and clear. You should also check your tyre pressure, oil level, windscreen wipers, and washer fluid. If you notice any faults or defects in your vehicle, you should get them fixed as soon as possible.

3. Adjust Your Headlights

Your headlights are your main source of illumination at night, so you should use them properly and effectively. You should use your low beams when driving in urban areas or well-lit neighborhoods in Reading, where there is enough ambient light to see the road. You should use your high beams when driving in rural areas or roads with few street lights in Reading, where you need more light to see farther ahead. However, you should always switch back to your low beams when you see an oncoming vehicle or when you are following another car closely, to avoid blinding other drivers.

4. Avoid Glare

Glare from oncoming headlights or bright street lights can temporarily blind you or reduce your vision at night. This can make it difficult for you to see the road clearly and react to any hazards or obstacles. To avoid glare, you should not look directly at the source of light, but rather look slightly down and to the right edge of your lane. You can also adjust your rear view mirror to the night setting, which will dim the reflection of the headlights behind you.

5. Slow Down

Speeding is a major factor in many fatal crashes at night, as it reduces your reaction time and increases your stopping distance. According to the Department for Transport, speeding-related crashes account for 37 percent of nighttime-driving fatalities. Therefore, you should always follow the posted speed limit or drive slower if the conditions require it. You should also leave more space between your car and the car in front of you, as it will give you more time and room to brake if needed.

6. Watch Out for Road Hazards

There are many road hazards that can pose a threat to your safety at night in Reading. Some of them are:

• Animals: Animals are more active at night, especially deer, foxes, badgers, and rabbits. They may cross the road unexpectedly or dart out from the bushes. Colliding with an animal can cause serious damage to your car and injuries to yourself and your passengers. To avoid this, you should scan the road ahead for any signs of animals¹, such as glowing eyes or movement in the bushes. You should also slow down when you see animal crossing signs or when driving through wooded areas or near water sources.
• Pedestrians: Pedestrians may be harder to spot at night, especially if they are wearing dark clothing or walking on unlit roads or pavements. They may also be impaired by alcohol or drugs, which can affect their judgment and awareness. To avoid hitting a pedestrian at night in Reading, you should drive carefully and attentively near pedestrian crossings, bus stops, pubs, clubs, and residential areas. You should also use your horn or flash your lights if necessary to warn them of your presence.
• Cyclists: Cyclists may also be less visible at night, especially if they do not have proper lights or reflective clothing on their bikes or themselves. They may also ride unpredictably or disobey traffic rules². To avoid colliding with a cyclist at night in Reading¹, you should drive cautiously and courteously near cycle lanes⁴, roundabouts¹, junctions¹, and traffic lights¹. You should also give them enough space when overtaking them and check your blind spots before changing lanes or turning.

7. Combat Fatigue

Another common cause of night-time crashes is driver fatigue. Drowsy driving can impair your judgment, reaction time, and awareness, making you more prone to errors and accidents. According to the Department for Transport, drowsy-driving crashes are most likely to happen between midnight and 6 a.m., when your body’s natural sleep cycle is in effect. To prevent this, you should avoid driving when you are tired or sleepy, and take breaks every two hours or 100 miles. You can also drink some caffeine, roll down the windows for fresh air, or listen to some music to keep yourself awake and alert.

8. Wear Your Glasses

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should always wear them when driving at night, as they will improve your vision and clarity. However, you should avoid wearing glasses with tinted lenses or anti-reflective coating, as they can reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes and make it harder for you to see at night. You should also keep your glasses clean and free of scratches or smudges, as they can distort your vision or create glare.

9. Get Your Eyes Checked

Your eyesight is essential for safe driving at night, so you should make sure that it is in good condition and up to date. You should visit your eye doctor regularly and get your prescription checked and adjusted if needed. You should also be aware of any eye problems or diseases that can affect your night vision, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. If you have any of these conditions, you should consult your doctor and follow their advice on how to manage them and improve your vision.

Conclusion

Driving at night can be more challenging than daytime driving, but by following these tips and precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and arrive at your destination safely. Remember that safety should always be your top priority when you’re on the road, regardless of the time of day.