Driving at night can prove to be quite challenging and tiring because of the reduced visibility and difficulty in seeing clearly other road users or potential hazards. However, because the roads are often quieter late at night you may also find that driving at this time gives you more freedom to enjoy the open road.

Anytime you are about to take a drive in the dark you will want to verify your headlamps are dirt- free and running properly. It is a law for night driving that your sidelights and number plate lights be turned on. When checking your headlights you need to make sure they are aligned correctly so as not to annoy or distract other drivers. When you feel that your headlamps are not lining up you should have them tested and retuned by a professional auto mechanic.

A factor in the alignment of your headlamps can be a weighty freight in the rear or boot of your vehicle. It could cause the headlamps to be higher than normal. This can be disturbing to other road users; however, you can slightly re-align the bulbs with the adjustment switch in your vehicle.

Your vehicle lights should be turned on when the street lights are on. During grey days or unfavourable weather you should have your headlamps on. Any time there is a low light it is a good idea to have your headlamps on. Dark coloured vehicles can be more difficult to see by others; therefore your lights can help make other drivers be aware that you are on the road.

At night, dipped beam headlights should be used at all times, however on unlit roads you should also use your main beam headlights. Always be aware that main beam headlights can dazzle other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, so always be ready to switch them off before approaching them.

If you are following another car you will need to use your dipped beam, and keep the bright lights off. If you are going to pass the vehicle in front of you, ensure that you are cautious. Your lights can reduce their sight or create illusions in the dark. You will want to pay close attention to any dips or bends that are on the road that could affect your ability to pass the vehicle safely.

Oncoming lights can be dangerous, as they affect how you can see. There are things you can do to avoid this experience. Rather than looking directly at the light as you are wont to do you should instead look to the left of the lights.

Dirt, road grime, or grease on your windscreen may create an optical illusion that is both dangerous and annoying. Chips and cracks can change the refraction of the light as well. It is best to change your rear view mirror to night driving setting, in order to lessen the impact of other vehicles behind you. You also need to consider when you might need to slow down on a bend or at a junction as lights may affect you.

Driving at night is an activity that should not be feared or worried about, but instead viewed as an enjoyable challenge and a chance to enjoy your vehicle when the roads are not as congested.

Tags: Auto

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