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Driving Safety Tips to Reduce Glare at Night
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Categories Driving News » Driving Tips »
We are hiring! Are you an experienced technician? Join our outstanding team »
Driving Safety Tips to Reduce Glare at Night
Reading time 5 minutes
Categories Driving News » Driving Tips »
Even for the most accomplished drivers, driving during the night can be a challenge. Visibility is decreased, making hazards harder to spot and braking distances harder to judge.
In fact, according to statistics, despite the roads seeing 60% less traffic at night, 40% of fatalities on the roads occur during this time. During the colder months, the nights draw in much sooner meaning the darker hours stick around for much longer. Therefore, the likelihood of having an accident is increased.
With vision already more limited than usual, any glare on your windscreen can be even more hazardous. With this in mind, the team here at The Windscreen Company has put together a comprehensive guide outlining a wide range of driving safety tips to help you reduce glare when out on the road.
Before we take a closer look at the things you can do to ensure you’re safe when driving at night, it’s important to thoroughly understand the various hazards on the road at this time.
Undoubtedly, the biggest risk of driving at night is reduced vision. Good visibility is a fundamental aspect of driving, so when it is reduced there is always a greater risk of an accident. This is particularly the case when driving on unlit roads in rural areas, where dips and turns in the road structure may be unexpected.
Drivers should also be extra aware of pedestrians and cyclists when driving at night. Reduced visibility means they’re harder to see, and even though cyclists should be well lit, this is not always the case. As well as this, when driving in rural areas it’s not uncommon for wildlife such as foxes, badgers and deer to be wandering the roads. Be sure to keep an eye out for animals if you’re taking a trip at night.
Before you embark on a night-time journey, it’s important to prepare your vehicle to make sure all its components are in good working order and will keep you safe when out on the road.
Visibility is key when driving at night, so be sure to check that all of your car’s headlights are working and the windscreen is clean with no dirt or debris obscuring your vision.
As well as this, it’s worthwhile checking that every aspect of your vehicle, for example, car tyres, are working as they should be. The last thing you want is to break down when out on a night-time drive and require emergency assistance.
Furthermore, it’s also a good idea to plan your route ahead of time, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with it. This will give you a clearer idea of the journey and make you more confident when tackling routes after dark.
As previously mentioned, one of the biggest problems drivers encounter at night is glare. For those unfamiliar with the term, glare is a source of light that instead of aiding your vision, interferes with it.
There are a number of ways you can combat glare when driving. First and foremost, make sure your car’s windscreen is clean and free of any damage. A dirty windscreen or one with scratches or cracks can intensify glare. Give your windscreen and its wipers a good clean before you embark on your journey, and if your windscreen has any damage at all, contact a reputable windscreen replacement and repairs organisation like The Windscreen Company.
As well as this, to reduce the amount of light you’re looking at when driving, it’d be a good idea to adjust your rearview mirror and side mirrors to account for these driving conditions. And, when approaching oncoming traffic try not to look directly into the other vehicle’s headlights to reduce the chance of becoming dazzled by the light.
In addition to making sure you’re not affected by glare when driving, there are a number of other safety considerations to bear in mind when driving at night.
Driving when tired is a big no-no generally, but at night-time, it is even more important to avoid this. The dark conditions are even more likely to make you fall asleep at the wheel – something that can be fatal.
It’s also recommended that you stick to the main roads when driving at night. Country or rural roads offer a greater risk of a hazard, whereas main roads are often still well-lit even during the night.
Finally, staying extra vigilant of your surroundings at night-time can help keep you and other road users safe. Accidents happen and sometimes it may be beyond your control, but driving slower, more cautiously and increasing the distance to the car in front are all great ways of mitigating risks when driving in the dark.
Here at The Windscreen Company, whether you’re driving day or night, we’re here to help. Windscreen damage, big or small, can put you and other road users at risk, and our team of trained technicians can help resolve the issue as soon as possible to get you moving again. Whether you need a full windscreen replacement or minor windscreen repair, we provide a 24 hours a day mobile service that can be by your side as soon as possible. Operating across the West Midlands and South East, get in touch with The Windscreen Company today.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
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