Driving at night

Driving at night is significantly more dangerous than during the day: 50% of fatal crashes happen at night, even though only 25% of driving occurs after dark. Key dangers are:

• Reduced visibility: Darkness compromises depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision.
• Impaired driving: There is a higher likelihood of encountering drivers under the influence of alcohol.
• Glare: Oncoming headlights can cause temporary blindness and reduce visibility.

Fatigue is one of the main causes of nighttime accidents. The body’s natural circadian rhythm means alertness drops during late evening and nighttime hours. In addition, reduced visibility in the dark makes it more difficult to see obstacles, road signs, and other road users in time. Also, the range of your headlights is limited, so hazards often appear with little warning.

Weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow can further decrease visibility and make driving at night even more challenging. Drivers often underestimate the effects of fatigue and poor visibility, which can lead to risky behavior and a higher chance of accidents.

Driving after dark presents unique challenges, including reduced visibility, increased glare, and longer reaction times. Ensuring that your vehicle's lighting system is working properly is one of the most important steps you can take to improve safety and see potential hazards more clearly.

• Clean windshield: Keep both the front and rear windshields clean, inside and out, to minimize obstructions and glare from oncoming traffic. Ensure your car has an adequate supply of wiper fluid. 
• Working wiper blades: Replace worn or damaged wiper blades to ensure a clear view in rain or snow.
• Avoid reflections: Remove any objects from the dashboard that could reflect in the windshield and cause distractions.
• Anti-glare coating: Consider applying an anti-glare coating to your front windshield to reduce the impact of headlights and streetlights. 
• Use the center line: In the absence of clear lane markings, rely on the center line as a guide to stay in your lane, particularly on winding or poorly lit roads. 

Even if the roads are empty at night, you should always regulate your speed, because hazards can be harder to see. Always keep these precautions in mind:

• Reduce speed: Drive slower at night, as limited visibility gives you less time to react to unexpected hazards.
• Increase following distance: Maintain at least a four-second gap behind the vehicle in front of you to allow for extra stopping time.
• Watch for wildlife: Be especially cautious in areas where animals may cross the road and reduce your speed accordingly.
• Avoid sudden maneuvers: Change lanes and brake gradually to give yourself and others more time to respond safely.

Remaining alert is critical for safe nighttime driving: ​

• Schedule breaks: Plan regular breaks during longer drives to combat driver fatigue. Even a short rest can make a significant difference. Choose designated, well-lit areas for breaks. ​

• Stay hydrated and rested: Ensure you're well-hydrated and get a good night's sleep before embarking on a long nighttime journey. Consider caffeine (coffee, an energy drink, etc.) for a quick energy boost if needed. Simple things such as chewing gum, having upbeat music playing, and rolling down the windows can also help maintain alertness. ​

• Share driving duties: Whenever possible, share driving responsibilities with someone to reduce fatigue and enhance overall safety. Ensure that the other person is well-rested and alert.

Adaptive headlights automatically adjust their direction and range based on your steering and speed, helping you see better at night. These systems reduce glare for oncoming drivers and provide more consistent illumination of the road ahead.

Night vision systems use infrared or thermal cameras to detect pedestrians, animals, or obstacles beyond the reach of your headlights, alerting you early to potential hazards.

Both technologies work together to increase your reaction time and overall safety when driving in the dark. They are especially valuable for people frequently driving at night or traveling on rural or poorly lit roads. Many modern vehicles offer these features.

When an accident or breakdown happens at night, darkness and reduced visibility make the situation even more stressful and potentially dangerous. Staying calm and following the right steps is essential to keep yourself and others safe until help arrives. Here’s what to do if you experience an accident or breakdown at night:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation. 
   Take a moment to breathe and stay calm. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, keeping in mind that it may be harder to see injuries in the dark.
   
   
2. Move to a safe, visible location. 
   If your vehicle is still operable, carefully pull off the road to a safe, well-lit area, such as a shoulder or rest stop. Avoid stopping in dark, hard-to-see places or on curves.
   
   
3.  Turn on hazard lights and all vehicle lights. 
   Immediately activate your hazard lights and keep your headlights and taillights on to make your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers in the dark.
   
   
4. Increase your visibility. 
   If you have reflective triangles, cones, or a safety vest, place them behind your vehicle to alert approaching traffic. Only exit the vehicle if it’s safe and you can be seen by others.
   
   
5. Stay inside the vehicle when it is safe to do so.
   Unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire, smoke, or the vehicle being in an unsafe location, remain inside your car with your seatbelt fastened and the doors locked. This is especially important at night, when visibility is reduced and passing drivers may have difficulty spotting pedestrians near the roadway. However, if your vehicle is stopped in a particularly hazardous location, such as the shoulder of a high-speed motorway, and it is safe to do so, follow local authority guidance. In some situations, moving away from the vehicle and standing behind a safety barrier may provide greater protection from passing traffic.

6. Call for emergency assistance

   Use your phone to make an emergency call or to contact roadside assistance. Clearly describe your location (use distance markers, GPS, or landmarks if possible), the situation, and any injurie.
   
   
7. Share only essential information
   Provide necessary details to emergency responders. Avoid sharing personal information with strangers who may stop. 
   
   
8. Wait for help and stay safe
   Stay calm while waiting for assistance. Reassure your passengers and avoid confrontations with other parties involved. Keep your doors locked until help arrives.