When darkness falls there are some drivers that prefer to avoid driving in the conditions, but during winter you’re often left with little choice.

There are ways to ensure that you don’t get into scrapes and drive as safely as possible, but you must be more aware of your surroundings and follow our top tips to ensure that you and your car are properly prepared for the road.

Your capability to perceive depth, colour and your peripheral vision are all decreased in low light, which is why it’s important to stay alert and never drive when tired – take regular, safe breaks.

5 Tips for Safer Night Driving

• Before you start your journey ensure that all car windows, mirrors and headlights are cleaned – visibility is a must.
• Attend regular eye appointments, it is something that should be done by all drivers, but at night conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts can be a real issue.
• Remain focused on the road ahead of you – don’t be distracted by the glare of oncoming headlights, as this can cause ‘dazzle’.
• Reduce your speed and increase following distances when driving in low light conditions – it’s automatically more difficult to judge stopping distances and the speed of other vehicles.
• If you’re a smoker, try to plan your cigarette breaks before and after your journey as well as when you can stop in safe places during your journey. Smoking at the wheel can have a negative effect on night vision, because of nicotine and carbon monoxide.

Remember to take particular care on bends, hills, at crossings and when driving in both urban and rural areas. There is no “safer” route, it is about how safe you drive and your awareness levels.