Ten tips for driving safely at night

Driving at night is quite dangerous, especially if you have not rested enough or have been at the wheel for many hours. The number of road deaths can be as much as triple when night falls, as stated by the Directorate-General for Traffic. To avoid possible scares, it is advisable to follow the ten tips for driving at night.

The sense of sight also contributes to this danger, as depth perception, peripheral vision and even the ability to distinguish colours are reduced. This, together with various weather factors, creates a mix in which the risk of an accident increases.

1. What are the main difficulties of driving at night?

Although accident figures show that most accidents occur during the day, it is important to point out that the most serious ones happen at night. A study carried out by RACE and the Alain Afflelou Foundation has revealed that 32% of drivers have difficulties during night driving. This is due to a sensitivity to glare and even blurred vision.

2. Lighting systems

It is essential to check that the lighting systems are in perfect condition. It is advisable to check the height of the lights and that the headlamps and tail lights are clean and in good condition. This will avoid possible glare and/or lack of visibility. If you drive at night for many hours, it is important to equip the vehicle with intelligent LED headlights. Furthermore, the importance of respecting other drivers when using dipped beam, main beam and, of course, fog lights is recalled.

3. Rear-view mirrors

Before setting off on a journey it is important to check and adjust the rear-view mirrors, whether exterior or interior. This simple step could save the driver from possible glare or lack of visibility at junctions, roundabouts and even when parking.

4. Adapt your speed

During night-time journeys, you should adapt your speed to the road conditions and bear in mind that you need to increase the safety distance in order to gain more reaction time. The driver is also responsible for starting the journey well rested. If you feel tired while driving, take breaks at regular intervals.

5. Choosing the right glasses

The use of suitable glasses when driving at night is crucial as it will improve night-time visibility. Ideally, use prescription glasses with an anti-reflective coating. Various sources claim that glasses with yellow lenses are not suitable for night driving.

6. Possible obstacles on the road

Driving at night can lead to encounters with animals of various sizes. This is the case of deer, dogs, wild boar and even horses, which can cause very serious damage without meaning to. If the vehicle in question has its lights properly aligned, it may give the driver time to notice the presence of these animals from the reflection of their eyes.

7. Staring at the lights

When driving on a two-way road at night, drivers often pass vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. At that moment it is crucial to avoid looking at the headlights of the vehicle in the other lane, as this can break your concentration.

For better night vision, it is recommended to clean the windscreen with newspaper. This type of paper removes residue and gives better results in terms of visibility. In addition, it is important to keep a microfibre cloth to hand to wipe away any impurities at any time.

8. Auxiliary lights

Auxiliary lights are a great help, but they must be fitted with caution. It is essential to remember that you must respect other drivers, and what may help one driver could cause another to have an accident due to glare. It is advisable to check the type approval for road use.

9. Well-lit roads

When choosing night-time routes, it is essential to choose well-lit roads in good condition. It is advisable to drive on motorways or dual carriageways with several lanes in each direction.

10. Cabin light

So that the driver’s and other passengers’ eyes do not suffer excessive fatigue and watering too soon, experts recommend driving with the cabin light switched off. This light source can create greater contrast between the outside and the inside of the vehicle.