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Safety and breakdowns , On the road · Updated 2026-10-18

Night driving: see better, stay alert

Driving at night is harder than driving by day. You see less, judge distance and speed less well, and glare from other cars can hide the road for a moment. Fatigue is also more likely. None of this is a reason to avoid night driving, but it is a reason to prepare the car and adjust how you drive.

Why night is different

• Your eyes see less detail and less colour in low light.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and animals in dark clothes are hard to spot until late.
• Oncoming headlights cause glare, and your eyes need time to recover.
• Your body clock makes you sleepier, especially in the small hours.

The practical result is that you should drive more slowly than daytime speed on unlit roads. A good rule is never to drive so fast that you cannot stop within the distance lit by your headlights.

Make your lights work for you

Headlights lose performance slowly, so you may not notice it. Once a year, check that all bulbs work, including brake lights, indicators and number plate lights. Ask someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake. Cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses reduce the light a lot; a workshop can often polish or replace them. Our guide to wipers, lights and bulbs explains what to look for.

Headlight aim matters too. If lights point too high they dazzle others, and if they point too low you see less. When the car carries a heavy load in the boot, the nose can rise. Many cars have a manual or automatic adjustment for this; check your manual. If the beams look uneven, let a workshop check the alignment.

Keep all glass clean

Dirt and smears on the windscreen scatter light from oncoming cars and create glare. Clean the inside as well as the outside, because a film from plastics and breath builds up on the inside over time. Replace worn wiper blades, and keep the washer fluid topped up. Dirty mirrors also glare more, so wipe them as well. Keep sunglasses out of the car at night; tinted glasses do not help in the dark.

Using full beam

Full beam (main beam) shows much more of the road, so use it on dark roads when there is no traffic ahead or coming toward you. Switch to dipped beam in good time for oncoming vehicles, and when you follow another car. Automatic systems can help, but they are not perfect, so stay ready to switch manually. Do not use full beam in fog, because it reflects back; see driving in rain and fog.

Dealing with glare

• Do not look straight at oncoming headlights. Look toward the right-hand edge of your lane, or at the road marking, and use your peripheral vision.
• Use the anti-glare setting on the interior mirror when someone follows with bright lights.
• If you are dazzled, slow down rather than speeding up.
• Do not flash or retaliate; it only adds to the problem.

Watch for wildlife and unlit hazards

On rural roads, animals can cross without warning. Slow down where you see warning signs, and watch for the glint of eyes at the road edge. If an animal appears, brake firmly in a straight line and do not swerve into oncoming traffic or off the road, unless you can do it safely. Parked cars without lights, cyclists, pedestrians and slow farm vehicles are other common hazards. Leave more space and be ready for them, especially near villages.

Beat tiredness

Fatigue is a major risk at night. If you notice yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting in the lane or forgetting the last few kilometres, stop as soon as it is safe. A short nap and a walk help more than loud music or an open window. If you can, avoid driving between midnight and early morning after a full day, and share the drive on long trips. More tips are in good habits for motorway driving.

Eyesight and health

If you notice that you have more trouble seeing at night than before, have your eyes tested. Glare sensitivity and reduced night vision can be a sign of an eyesight issue that is easy to correct with glasses or treatment. We cannot give medical advice, but an eye test is a simple step. If you wear glasses, keep them clean and use an anti-reflective coating if your optician suggests it.

Be ready if you break down

A breakdown at night is more dangerous because other drivers see you late. Switch on the hazard lights, put on a reflective vest before you leave the car, and wait away from traffic. Our breakdown guide and the emergency kit checklist cover what to do and what to carry, including a torch.

What to remember

• Drive slower than by day and always within the distance your lights show.
• Check bulbs, aim and lens condition regularly.
• Keep the inside and outside of the glass clean.
• Dip your lights in time and avoid looking at oncoming beams.
• Stop and rest at the first sign of tiredness.
• Take extra care near villages, pedestrians and animals.

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