Driving after dark where there are no street lights may be dangerous with little experience. Your concentration at night is decreased not only because you are fatigued from the days events, but also an absence of light, making it difficult to see and prevent possible hazards or other drivers.
But driving after dark is no scarier than driving in daylight; you just need to maintain your wits about you. Put your dipped headlights on, you will be able to see where you are going, only use full beam lights when needing to see further. For instance, while you are at the front of a queue of vehicles and keep in mind to turn them off when other car is heading towards you or if someone is in front, full beams will dazzle other road users. To cope with oncoming vehicles, when a vehicle is heading towards you keep your vision peripheral, do not look directly at the lights, this will keep you from being dazzled. Keep track of road markings, your car headlights will not brighten up too far in front of you, so you have to be conscious of your location with regards to the road marks. Look forward for signs of coming obstructions for instance, a car in front braking; this may suggest a corner, or other hazard in front. Don’t drive faster than you’re able to stop within the distance you can see with your lights.
If in doubt, reduce speed, this will likely give you much more time to react when a hazard occurs. Try not to drive too slow as this may cause a danger to another road users. If you wish to stop your car for some time and it is night time keep the car as noticeable as possible without straining other streets users choose a visible place and keep your parking or side lights on. If the road you park on has a higher than a 30 mph speed limit you are required to have your parking lights on by law.
When following a car at night you must also keep your full beam lights turned off. If you want to overtake you need to exercise patience due to the lower visibility and optical illusions produced by the dark. Pay attention to unseen dips or bends that could affect your ability to easily overtake. Whenever you see pedestrians give them space and make sure you reduce speed. You may just save someone’s life. Keep in mind there is lower vision, which really increases your probability of coming up on anything or someone.
For your safety and that of other drivers and pedestrians, check your headlights and sidelights regularly are working and clean for maximum visibility. With the efficient visibility, you can prevent any risk that will come your way.
