As we’re now in the middle of winter the sun will start to set as early as 4.30 pm, and many drivers will find themselves driving home in the dark. Unfortunately, every year when the clocks are set back, there is an alarming increase in the incidents of fatalities and serious injuries among vulnerable road users, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).Driving in the dark can pose more risk than if you were to drive during the day, especially as it gets colder, visibility decreases, and frost increases.
- Properly check your vehicle
It is critical to give your vehicle a once-over this winter before you hit the roads. You should check things such as tyre pressure, assuring all your tires have the correct pressure and aren’t low or flat. Also, make sure engine oil levels are between the correct markings, and all the vehicle lights are functioning correctly. These checks become vital during the winter months as you will be driving in more hazardous conditions like frosty roads and darker nights.
- Use Your Car Lights Responsibly
When driving in the dark, using car lights correctly is crucial to ensure the safety of all road users. Dazzling headlights can cause accidents and confusion, which is why the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has issued guidelines on how to use car lights responsibly.
According to the RAC, drivers should turn on their dipped headlights an hour before sunset and keep them on an hour after sunrise. This ensures that they always remain visible to other road users. On poorly lit roads such as country lanes, full beams can be used to see the road layout more clearly and prevent any accidents.
It’s important to avoid being dazzled by oncoming vehicles. Looking directly at the headlights of other cars can temporarily impair your vision, making it more difficult to react to road conditions. Instead, try looking to the left-hand side of the road and following the white line marking the edge of the road.
In addition to external lights, it’s also important to use internal lights correctly. Keeping your interior lights off when driving at night can prevent other drivers from being put off. If possible, dimming your dash lights can also reduce distractions and help you focus on the road.
- Keep sunglasses In your car
Another important tip for driving during winter is to keep sunglasses in your car. Sunsets can create a glare that sun visors can’t block out, and sunglasses can help make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
By following these guidelines, drivers can help ensure their own safety and the safety of others on the road.
- Keep your Vision Clear and Drive with Caution
As winter approaches, it is important to remember the risks associated with driving in low-visibility and slippery conditions. To ensure your safety on the road, it is recommended to follow some winter driving safety tips.
One of the most important tips is to keep your windows clean. A build-up of condensation on the inside of the vehicle’s windows and dirt on the outside can impair your vision of the road. Therefore, it is essential to clean them off before starting your journey and allowing all windows to fully defrost during freezing temperatures.
- Drive slower with caution
Another crucial tip is to drive slower with caution. Driving fast in the dark, as well as in winter weather with poor visibility, is extremely dangerous. Winter weather comes with frost, rain, and sometimes snow. Driving fast in these conditions can cause accidents as visibility is poor, and the roads are slipping, meaning tyres have less grip on the road.
By following these winter driving safety tips, you can be assured of a safer and smoother journey on the road. Stay safe and enjoy the winter season!
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