The clocks just turned back. When combined with the seasonal changes, it means you will probably spend more time driving in the dark than you have been over the past few months.
Unlike certain species, human eyes are not designed for seeing in the dark, so driving becomes inherently more dangerous. Here are some things you can do to help yourself see as well as possible when driving at night:
Check your headlamps
Blown bulbs are cheap to replace and essential to safe driving. If your bulbs are old, you might also consider upgrading to something more powerful. Scratched or dirty lenses can also reduce the amount of light emitted. Make sure your lights are aligned correctly to light up as much of the road in front of you as possible without blinding other drivers.
Check your windshield wipers
When cars come toward you at night, the cleaner your windshield, the less glare you will have to cope with. Top up your wiper reservoir with the correct fluid, not just water, and replace worn wiper blades. These measures should make for a cleaner wipe and cleaner screen, meaning less glare.
Dim in-car instruments
Having bright lights in your car affects your ability to see what is happening outside your car.
Consider slowing down
You should not take a road at the same speed at night as you would in the day – especially one with hazards or bends. You cannot see as far ahead at night, so you won’t notice dangers until you are closer. The closer you are, the less time you have to brake, and the faster you go, the more time you need to brake. Slowing down makes it more likely you can stop in time.
Not all drivers will take these precautions. If one injures you in a crash, seek legal help to hold them responsible.