How do you drive in the dark?

Question

You can't see in the mirrors most of the time, you can't see almost anything when people shine lights in your face, when they don't dip their lights you're virtually blinded.
yet other people seem to fly past like your standing still.
Started driving in March, and frankly driving at night scares the **** out of me!

Answer 1

I guess you're never going to be a rally-driver then?

They drive at 130mph in the dark, on narrow twisty roads lined with trees.

Answer 2

When driving at night you need to reduce your speed even more. You ahould be able to stop, comfortably, on the road you can see ahead of you to be clear. When an on coming car fails to dip main beam, you should not flash your lights at them, the only thing worse than 1 driver heading along a road blinded is another 1 heading in the oppsite direction.
You should avert your eyes to look at the verge to your near side. You will soon be confident that if you have the correct road position the car will pass safely and you can continue your journey.
I would also advise against any form of tints on the wind screen. The vehicle comes from the manufacturer with tints already in the glass. They are usually at about 80%. If you add any tint film to this you are not only reducing it below the legal standard, but you are also risking your safety. The tint only reduces your visability.
If the lights are coming from the rear, flip the switch on your mirror which will put it on to the shadow and the lights will not blind you. It is the same as everything practice will make you better, just remember that the best option is to slow down a bit at night and concentrate on the road ahead. Good luck!

Answer 3

It will be better from now on, for some rason winter nights seem lighter than summer.
However, lights, new driver, old car? Lights vary enormously and wear out, both bulbs and reflectors, passing the MOT is irrelevant to this, perhaps you need better lights, as in new headlamp units, you do check that both Dip lights work, some people dont realise one has gone out.
I fitted Fog and Spot lights for a Scottish Holiday in September one year, which made driving along deserted twisting Scottish Roads almost pleasant,

Answer 4

The best thing you can do is try not to worry much about what is going on behind you by looking too much in your mirrors. Remember you need to wacth more where you are going and not where you have been. Also, if the lights of oncoming traffic seem too bright, focus toward the right side of your lane, this will help prevent "blindness", and allow you to still watch the road. Above all else, take your time. If someone is in a hurry, they will pass. Don't allow them to push you into a situation where you feel you have to go faster than you are ready to do.

Answer 5

IT takes time to gain confidence in driving. If you passed in march you're still pretty new to it. The good thing is, you recognise your weaker points and can address them. Some people don't bother and never progress to be good competant drivers. The only tip I can give you is not to get stuck on looking at lights. It's easy to look in your mirror for just that one moment too long and take your eyes off the road ahead and when you look back there's an obstacle/obstruction in your path and you have to take drastic action to avoid it.
sound like your doing just fine though. Keep up the good work.

Answer 6

Its rarely mentioned now that when you pass your test you have learned how to operate the controls on a car, not to drive. It takes 6 months to start learning to drive, 3 years before your any good at it. Don't worry, many drivers struggle with it for a while, the best thing to do is to stick to roads you know when driving at night, and get used to what sights mean what. Its a very sub-concious thing to be able to drive, you don't conciously become aware of whats around you you just know. That will make more sense when your used to it.

The time you know you have learned to drive will be when your just slowing for a roundabout and you already know whats going to happen on it in the next 20 seconds, you know whats approaching before you have seen it, and you already know what they're going to do.

This sounds daft and impossible but many drivers have this knowledge in their head all the time.

Good luck, if you know your weak spots that a positive already. I sound just like an Human Resource manager now don't I!!!!!

Answer 7

I don't blame you, I've been driving for 15 years but moved to a new country & was recently reminded of how much harder driving in the dark is. However I am getting used to it quickly & so will you - takes no time at all !!

My rule is when driving in any new or infrequent driving situation ie in an area you don't know, heavy rain, fog, snow, abroad etc just stay alert, take it slow, stay in the slow lane & don't give a **** about what other idiots are doing regardless of whether you might be annoying them.....!!

Answer 8

You can see in your mirrors if they are set correct! You can use the anti-dazzle mode on your rear-view mirror when vehicles behind have 'blinding' lights. You need to look harder at night for pedestrians. I would advise a few lessons in the dark with an instructor. If you have passed your test why not consider Pass Plus...information on web site: atob_driving.co.uk

Answer 9

When the opposing car is running on brights, Put your lights on bright to let them know they are blinding you. Too many clods these days know nothing about road courtesy. Tinting your windshield will help and You will get used to it in time. Above all do not look at the oncoming lights. Keep your eyes focused about three hundred fee in front of you. I know it is hard at first because you instinctively want to look directly at the light.

Answer 10

I drive at night all the time, it's my job.

You get used to it after a while, although there are a lot of idiots out there who think it is daylight.

You have to make sure you do not look at the lights of oncoming traffic, try looking a little towards the nearside verge/kerb, but without turning your head.

Before you do drive please do us all a favour as well and make sure all of your own lights are working properly.