1. Headlights:
Your headlights need to be lit at all times when driving in the dark. This might seem quite obvious, but when taking off from a well-lit area you can easily forget to switch yours on. Be sure to keep your fellow drivers in mind and adjust your headlights so they are not blinding; change from high beam to low beam and also check the positioning and angle of your lights.
Always remember, with high-beam lights on you can see an average of 100 metres ahead of you and this drops to only 30 metres when using low-beam. So it is very important that you lower your speed safely to compensate for reduced visibility that comes with dipping your lights. Avoid being distracted by oncoming lights by averting your eyes slightly to the side of the road to avoid any dazzling high beams.
2. Front Fog lights:
If your car does not come equipped with front facing fog lights it is a great idea to have them installed, fog becomes increasingly common during winter and when combined with darkness can really inhibit your visibility. Front facing fog light beams spread further than normal headlights to highlight any upcoming obstructions or dangers such as bumps, rocks and potholes, keeping you safe when driving at night and on long dark winter days.
3. Windscreen:
Be careful that your windshield and mirrors are clean so there’s no glare directed towards your eyes. Grime and grease may not be visible during the day so give them a double wipe, or polish with some newspaper. Any marks on your windshield will refract oncoming light and dazzle you.
4. Mirrors:
Your mirrors need to be positioned slightly downwards to avoid the lights from other cars getting into your eyes. If your rear-view mirror has a dimmer setting, use this if you are faced with another car’s bright lights.
5. Night vision:
It is very important that you get regular eye tests to determine how well you can see in low light and darkness. You may need new or updated prescription glasses to ensure optimum vision when driving in the dark.
6. Tiredness:
Tiredness is a real threat for late night driving, and the shorter days can make this even worse. Make sure you remain alert and be mindful of other drivers who might, themselves be tired.
Being tired decreases your reaction times, so if you find yourself drooping behind the wheel, have a break, have a coffee, have a quick nap and continue when you feel fresh enough to do so. It is recommended that you take at least a 15 minute break every two hours while driving.
7. Call for back up:
For when things do go wrong, a backup plan is important. Have you considered what to do if your car won’t go or you run out of fuel? Avoid becoming an unintentional pedestrian.
Car trouble can sometimes happen no matter how well prepared we are, but with Aviva car insurance, breakdown rescue cover comes as standard.
