According to a study from ChooseMyCar.com, the UK’s leading car marketplace, 52 per cent of Brits are worried about being in a car accident while driving in the dark. The numbers increase for younger drivers, with 57 per cent of 18-34-year-olds wary of driving in the dark.
Londoners were particularly worried about crashing in the dark, at 65 per cent. Meanwhile, drivers in Sheffield appeared less cautious at 38 per cent. Other regional results include:
- Manchester: 53%
- Leeds: 51%
- Liverpool: 54%
- Southampton: 56%
- Nottingham: 59%
- Scotland: 53%
- Wales: 53%
In the UK, 43 per cent of fatal car accidents occur between 5pm and midnight, as the darkness leads to reduced visibility. Studies also show that drivers are more likely to be tired during dark hours, leading to reduced concentration levels – it’s estimated that up to 20 per cent of crashes are related to fatigue, which is more than drink-driving related collisions.
Luckily, an expert at ChooseMyCar.com has listed a number of essential late-night driving tips that may save your life, as well as those of other drivers. Nick Zapolski, motoring expert and founder of ChooseMyCar.com, says that although these tips are simple, it could be what prevents you, or other drivers around you, from obtaining a serious injury while on the road.
“Driving in the dark is unavoidable, but it’s undeniably more dangerous. These tips can help prevent a nighttime driving accident; whether it’s keeping a safe distance between the car in front of you, or ensuring your car lights and windscreen are clean.
“If you wear glasses, it’s also recommended that you purchase anti-glare lenses to help protect you from the bright light of other cars. Being dazzled by headlights appears to be a growing problem – 60 per cent of Brits also say that new car model headlamps are dangerous, as they are too bright.”
Here’s ChooseMyCar.com’s essential guide for ensuring that late-night driving is safer for you and other drivers:
Pack an emergency kit
Visibility is key should your car break down in the dark. It’s highly recommended that you pack essential items such as a hi-vis jacket and a warning triangle.
Park correctly
Your parked car isn’t as easy to see at night, which increases the risk of it colliding with another driver. The Highway Code states that all vehicles must not park against the direction of traffic flow, unless in a recognised parking space. Failure to follow this rule may result in a hefty fine of more than £1,000.
Don’t drive tired
Although many of us may still drive home when we’re tired, this increases the risk of an accident on the road – it’s estimated that up to 20 per cent of crashes are related to fatigue. If you’re feeling sleepy, pull over at the nearest services for some much-needed rest.
Check your lights
Make sure your lights are working before you begin to drive during the dark. This will not only help keep you and other drivers safe, but also prevent a criminal offence (it’s illegal to drive with faulty headlights). Make sure to check all of your lights, including your fog lights. If your lights stop working while driving, pull over immediately and switch on your hazard lights.
Consider anti-glare glasses
The reflection of bright lights from other cars can be dazzling while on the road. Headlight brightness appears to be a growing issue, with 60 per cent of Brits feeling that new car model headlamps are too bright. Anti-glare glasses are effective at reducing this problem by minimising the amount of light reflected off the surface of your lenses. And luckily, anti-glare lenses can be fitted in place with your current lenses at an opticians.
Keep a safe distance between cars
While keeping distance between cars is always important, it’s even more vital at night. The rule is usually to stay two seconds from the driver in front of you, but it’s recommended that you increase this slightly at night, particularly when there’s reduced visibility.
Choose a well-lit route
If you know your route, ensure to drive home down roads that you know have a lot of street lighting. If you don’t know your way home, install a satnav and check for main routes along your journey, as they will be more well-lit than country lanes.
Use your headlights
Using your headlights will not only ensure you’re visible for other drivers, but also prevent a large fine. Rule 226 of the Highway Code states that you must use headlights if you cannot see further than 100m – otherwise, you may be forced to pay a sum of £1,000.
Expect the unexpected
Children, animals, and cyclists are harder to spot when it’s dark, especially in dimly-lit areas. To avoid a potential collision, be extra aware in higher-risk areas, such as country roads or schools.
Stephen
