Here’s how to stay safe when driving as longer nights approach

The clocks are set to change soon, bringing longer nights and darker mornings. It also means that driving in the UK is set to get a little more challenging, and there are some key ways that you can stay safer on the roads during this trickier driving season.

We’ve been speaking to tyre specialists Davanti about some top ways to keep safe during the darker months and some key changes you can make to your driving style.

Check your lights

So take the time to inspect your car’s lights, and ask a friend or relative to watch as you operate features such as the high-beam headlights and indicators.

Keep aware of glare

The best thing to do is to glance towards the left-hand kerb instead of looking straight at the oncoming car’s headlights. Most cars also have a rear-view mirror with a night mode to block glare from vehicles behind, so make sure you’ve used this too.

A clean car means better visibility

Grime can also make a car’s lights less effective, so focus on cleaning these as well.

Dim your dashboard

Some cars even have a dedicated ‘night mode’ which lowers all of the instrument lights so that you can better focus.

Give yourself more time

It can be much harder to judge distances and speed when you’re travelling in the dark, so giving yourself more time is essential. Leave a larger gap between yourself and the car in front and you’ll be far better equipped to react to a sudden slowdown. This is particularly important on the motorway where speeds are higher, too.

Giving yourself more time will also allow you to spot vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, more easily.

Check on your tyres

It could also be a good opportunity to consider all-seasons or winter tyres, which can help to deliver better grip levels when it’s colder and wetter outside.

Always take a break if needed

Tiredness is easier to succumb to when it’s dark outside. If you’re feeling weary behind the wheel, then make sure that you stop to take a break. Driving tired can have serious consequences, and even a short break can help to keep it at bay.

Always make sure that you stop somewhere safe, though, and never be tempted to pull over into a hard shoulder or emergency stop location on a smart motorway.