Night driving: 5 keys to getting the most out of your lights

30% of accidents in Europe happen during the darkest hours of the day. Keep the following tips in mind to improve your safety behind the wheel.

The clock change brings a series of circumstances that affect all drivers, among them the fact of coming home in the dark. It is important to bear in mind that 30% of accidents in Europe happen during the darkest hours of the day. In this regard, correct use of the car’s lighting system becomes one of our greatest allies when it comes to avoiding risky situations. In the following video, SEAT offers a series of tips that will help you get the most out of your car’s lights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiHFeitgrZw

1. Don’t be afraid to use high beams

High beams may only be used on interurban roads with poor visibility, yet “many drivers don’t use these lights for fear of dazzling another vehicle” even in such situations. In this regard, the high beam assist becomes a great support, since it detects the presence of vehicles in both directions and switches from high to low beams automatically without the driver having to do anything.

2. Use “Auto” mode so you don’t forget the dipped beams

Dipped beams should only be used at night or during the day in low-visibility situations, for example inside a tunnel or in heavy rain. They must also be used when driving in a reversible lane. In these situations, the “Auto” option “becomes your best ally so you don’t have to switch the lights on yourself. Let the car do the work for you; it won’t forget, and so you’ll drive more safely.

3. LED lights: the fastest and safest option

With the introduction of this type of lighting, “we have not only saved on consumption and gained in comfort, but we have also improved safety,” says Maite París, SEAT head of headlights.

This type of lighting resembles daylight more than the light emitted by a halogen lamp. It also responds 150 milliseconds faster than an incandescent lamp. This means that, at 120 km/h, an LED brake light would activate 5 metres sooner. Moreover, they are designed to last the entire life of the vehicle, without needing to be replaced.

4. Don’t switch on the rear fog lights in light rain

A very common mistake among drivers is turning on the rear fog lights when it’s lightly raining. However, “they should only be switched on in low-visibility situations, with heavy rain or dense fog,” says Maite París. Misusing them can dazzle other drivers.

5. Don’t switch on interior lights in the car

Although the courtesy light (the light on the ceiling of the cabin) is not prohibited, it is advisable not to use it for long periods so as to keep your full attention on the road, and not to distract other drivers.