It’s that time of the year when the days are shorter and driving becomes a little more difficult for those of us in the UK.

However, now that the darker evenings have fully taken over, drivers are being advised on how to navigate the roads safely with a series of top tips from experts at car leasing site leaseloco.com.

John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco said: “It’s always important to drive safely, but as evenings get darker, motorists need to be especially alert. Headlight glare can affect vision and make it harder to judge distances, so staying focused is key.

“Commuting to and from work or doing the school run can be tiring and stressful at the best of times, but it becomes even more challenging in the dark. Making sure you are well rested and fully focused behind the wheel is essential for your safety and the safety of others.”

Top tips for driving in the dark

1 - Take regular vision checks

It is key to make sure any eyesight issues you have are addressed before driving, especially in the dark. Many people with astigmatism may find streetlights and glare from modern LED headlights particularly distracting, so it is important to take extra care before getting behind the wheel at night.

2 - Stay alert

Obviously, staying alert is one of the most important things to do when driving; however, in the dark, hazards which may present themselves in the day will be much more difficult to see. This is particularly crucial when encountering cyclists and pedestrians.

3 - Avoid dazzling other drivers

Modern LED headlights are one of the most talked about problems in motoring today, with many people struggling to drive at night due to the extra brightness they present.

Dipped headlights should always be used when driving near other vehicles, and only when there’s a clear road ahead should a full beam be turned on. However, make sure your headlights are working properly, as having weak visibility or none at all can be particularly problematic.

4 - Keep windows and mirrors clean

Make sure your windows and mirrors are clean and have no smears before setting off in the dark. This falls in line with The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which states that drivers must always have a clear view of the road.

5 - Monitor tiredness

Have you ever had the coffee cup symbol pop up during a long stint of driving? Take it as a sign that you probably need a rest, and take a break at the nearest stop location. Any feeling of tiredness can put both you and others in danger, while taking a break reduces the risk of a collision.

6 - Take some extra lessons

If you’re not feeling entirely confident about driving in the dark, don’t be afraid to seek extra lessons, even after you’ve passed your practical test. Any extra practice can help build confidence in nighttime driving situations.

7 - Pack essentials

Should you face an emergency and end up stranded in dark and cold conditions, it is essential to prepare for this by packing essentials like a torch and warm clothing. Fluorescent clothing will also help you be seen by other road users if you are outside of your car.

words: Mike Booth

7 Tips For Driving in the Dark