Now the clocks have changed many of us will be driving home from work (and possibly to) in the dark and we should all take some time to evaluate our driving style to ensure we keep ourselves as safe as possible.
A Department for Transport study revealed that only 15% of vehicle miles are clocked between 7pm and 7am. However, they account for almost a third of road injuries and deaths.
Reduced visibility and increased difficulty in judging speed and distance are major factors. Also, sadly, another factor is that late at night more drivers on the road are under the influence of drink or drugs.
Here at Vans4Lease we have put together our top tips for driving safely at night.
Be aware
- Be aware of other road users at all times, give other drivers space and maintain awareness all around you.
- Watch out for pedestrians, especially near pubs and clubs around closing time.
- Also keep a close eye out for cyclists who are hard to spot after dark.
Don’t rush
- Allow plenty of time for your journey so you're not driving under pressure.
- On a long road trip? Stop for a rest at least every two hours and drink strong coffee to keep yourself alert.
- Stopping distances are especially important after dark.
All important eyes
- It's vital to have your sight checked regularly as this will show up any underlying eye problems that may affect your night vision.
- Never wear dark or tinted lenses for night driving.
Light it up
- The Institute of Advanced Motorists advises turning your headlights on before sunset and keeping them on for an hour after sunrise so it's easier for other drivers to see you in twilight.
- Many new lease cars will have an auto light function – keep this switched on during the winter months.
- Ensure your exterior lights are clean and working properly
- Keep your interior lights turned off.
- On rural roads, drive on full beam whenever possible but dip your lights when another car approaches.
- If you are dazzled by an oncoming car using full beam, don’t look into the headlights.
- Make sure your car windows are clean, inside and out. Dirty windows will increase glare
Whether you are driving a brand new lease van or a van you've driven for years - take care and be safety conscious at all times.
To understand more about leasing, check out our information on van leasing here.