Night Driving Tips from the IAM

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on driving in the dark.

To improve your view as far as possible, keep your lights and windscreen clean.

Use main beam, but when other drivers are approaching make sure you dip your lights to avoid dazzling the oncoming traffic.

Make sure you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.

If you’re feeling tired, caffeine alone is not a fix. Take a break and have a 20 minute nap.

If an approaching car forgets to dip its lights, look beyond the lights, but to their left to avoid being dazzled as much.

Look at how the traffic ahead behaves for clues to possible problems you can’t see yet.

If it’s gloomy in the morning, don’t forget to put your lights on.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “The risk of fatal accidents increases in the dark as visibility is reduced. Have regular eye examinations to ensure you are wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need to.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.