Living with your car: top tips for safe night driving

Stock up on carrots or hang up your car keys until springtime. Neither of these options are very useful, the simple fact being that if you want to get around at this time of year you're going to have to get used to driving in the dark. For some that's a terrifying prospect, but keep in mind a few simple rules and driving when it's dark should be no more difficult than driving in daylight.

Check your lights

Seems like an obvious one, but it's amazing how many cars you see driving along with only sidelights or no lights on at all. Get into the habit of putting them on every time you get in the car, and check all your lights regularly. Switch them on and wander around the car to see if they're all working and aligned correctly. Keep them clean, too. For things like your brake lights ask a friend to check, or if you're on your own look for the light reflecting back from a garage door or parked car. If in doubt, take your car to a garage and have them check it out for you.

Drive within your limits

Never drive faster than it takes to stop within the range of your headlamps, leave bigger gaps between cars and slow down. When using full beam on rural, unlit roads be careful not to dazzle other motorists and road users - check for the glare of oncoming traffic's full beam lights when approaching bends or cresting dips, too. If someone moves to overtake leave your full beam on until they are alongside to give them the best view ahead possible - but remember to switch back to dipped headlights as soon as they're in front.

Don't strain your eyes

It takes your eyes a while to adapt between light and dark so try not to be dazzled by oncoming cars' headlamps. Look to the kerb instead of at the oncoming headlamps, slow down and stop if you have to. Straining your eyes will only lead to you getting tired. Keep your windscreen washer bottle topped up and check the condition of your wiper blades too, as at this time of year the roads are dirtier and inevitably so is your windscreen.

Plan ahead, get some sleep

Driving when tired is never a good idea, but at night it's particularly dangerous. If you're tired pull over in a safe area, get out, have a coffee and get some sleep. Fifteen minutes of shut-eye could save your life - no appointment is worth risking dying to get to. If a short nap doesn't help, find a hotel and stop for the night. If it's a longer journey look at alternatives in the first place; we all love cars but sometimes if you're busy letting the train or plane take the strain can be the best solution.

Be alert

More than ever it's crucial in the dark to be alert. Assume nobody else is as prepared as you and compensate for that. Cyclists and pedestrians are sometimes virtually invisible until they're right beside you so check your mirrors and blind spots as often as possible. At night pedestrians are often more unpredictable thanks to evening revelries, so when driving through busy parts of town keep your wits about you and be prepared to stop quickly.

Set an example - be seen

Pack some hi-visibility gear in your car and have a warning triangle in the boot so if you do have to stop to change a punctured tyre you're going to be seen. If you do have to pull over put the car's interior lights on, the warning flashers and leave the headlamps on dipped beam. While you're packing that kit chuck in a blanket and warm clothes, some waterproofs and something to eat for safe winter driving - you never know when you might need them and when you do you'll thank yourself for your forward planning.

Get some training and your eyes checked

Whether you're a new or experienced driver it's always worth looking at additional driver training. Many driving schools and organisations offer night time driving courses, giving you the skills to drive safely at in the dark. Get your eyes checked too, whether driving at night or not you need to ensure your vision is good for driving. Be informed, plan ahead and be alert and night time driving should be safer and easier.

Kyle Fortune