CAR experts have given motorists a number of top tips for driving in the dark as daylight saving time ends.
The clocks go back on Sunday, meaning an extra hour of sleep but also extra minutes of darkness each evening – leaving more people driving in the dark as the winter goes on.
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Experts at HGV recruitment specialists Driver Hire Training have shared five handy tips to stay safe and avoid a brush with the law in low-light conditions.
First off, before you even get going, they advise making sure your car is properly prepared and that everything works.
Highways England has a list of things to check up on before setting off, including tyre pressure, engine oil and whether your lights are working.
These are good things to make sure of all year round but are especially important darker and more dangerous conditions, when your and other vehicles are less visible.
Richard Owen-Hughes, Driver Hire’s marketing director, said: “The winter months can throw many hurdles when it comes to driving in extreme weather conditions.
“It’s important for everyone to make sure that your vehicle is in a fit state to be driven by giving it a full check down, looking at the likes of coolant and tyre treads, as well as just making sure you take extra care whilst behind the wheel.”
Another safety tip is to avoid drowsy driving, which is a major cause of accidents.
According to road safety charity Break, it is estimate that between 10 and 20 per cent of crashes worldwide are fatigue-related.
As it gets darker and flu season begins, it is natural to feel more tired, but drivers should make sure they only drive when feeling alert.
Making sure you get enough sleep and taking regular breaks where possible are both highly recommended.
Another good piece of advice is to allow more time for journeys to avoid rushing.
Driving fast in the dark, as well as in winter weather with possibly poor visibility, can lead to more accidents.
Along with this it is recommended to be extra careful in the dark to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
This allows more time to react in poorer conditions and keep up the rhythm of the traffic.
Finally, the experts advise making sure that you use your headlights responsibly to prevent glare.
In darker conditions, motorists are more likely to use full beam headlights, which can dazzle people travelling the other way.
Drivers should try and look slightly away from oncoming headlights to prevent visual disruption and re angle their mirrors so that lights from behind are not reflected straight into their face.
TOP FIVE TIPS FOR DRIVING AT DUSK
1. Prepare your car and do a walk-around check
2. Avoid drowsy driving
3. Allow more time for journeys
4. Keep a safe distance in front of you
5. Prevent headlight glare
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