ESB Safe Driving Bureau

See and be seen

Appropriate speed and stopping distances change dramatically at night, especially where there is no street lighting. As a rule, you must always be able to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.

Prevent speed from creeping up
When dropping from full to dipped beam, reduce your speed if necessary to a level appropriate to your shorter range of visibility. If you find your speed creeping up, think of the road debris you occasionally have to steer round during the day- maybe a tyre carcass or dead animal - and imagine what can lie in the darkness ahead.

Other road users may not be visible
Be prepared, especially when driving in built-up areas, for road users not wearing appropriately reflective clothing or relevant front and rear lighting. Be prepared to take evasive action using good planning techniques.

Full beam
Drive on full beam whenever the road is unlit and empty. Think about how your headlights are seen by other drivers in choosing the moment when you dip: generally you can stay on full beam a little longer through right-hand bends.

If dazzled - look left
If dazzled by an oncoming driver at night remember to slow down and look to the left. However, don't forget that being dazzled from a vehicle behind can be just as troublesome. Although most vehicles have an anti-dazzle switch on the interior mirror remember to return this to its normal position when the dazzle subsides. A dipped mirror can make a following vehicle look much further away. Don't forget to check if your lights are correctly adjusted for other road users.

Headlight maintenance
On damp winter roads it is surprising how quickly road grime can coat your headlights and reduce their lighting efficiency. The unwiped segments of your windscreen give a great indication of the dirt that can accumulate on lights. Don't forget to carry spare bulbs in case your lights fail at night and know how to change the bulb.

Some benefits of night driving Driving at night can have its advantages:

• When traffic begins to thin out, a journey can become quicker and less stressful;
• Out in the country the ability to see other vehicles, street lighting or even lights from an isolated house in the far distance can give you a 'bigger' picture of the conditions around you;
• On a twisty road the light of oncoming vehicles gives you early warning of their approach and can help you assess a bend before reaching it.

Always remember
Resist the temptation to drop your guard during a rewarding nighttime drive. It can be difficult to judge speed and distance; so oncoming vehicles can be closer and travelling faster than you think.

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