Night driving safety: glare, fatigue, and visibility tricks

The road can feel completely different once the sun sets. Shadows deepen, headlights glare, and your eyes can tire faster than you realise. Small mistakes at night can turn into big risks in a matter of seconds.

Even experienced drivers can underestimate how much night conditions affect reaction times. Glare, fatigue, and limited visibility are behind a large portion of avoidable accidents. Paying attention to them makes every trip safer.

Step-by-step approach to safer night driving

1. Adjust your headlights – Make sure they’re properly aligned. Too high or low and you’ll either blind others or reduce your own visibility.
2. Keep your windscreen clean – Dirt and streaks amplify glare. A quick wipe inside and out before night trips can make a huge difference.
3. Reduce dashboard brightness – Dim interior lights to avoid eye strain. Your eyes adjust faster to road conditions without competing light sources.
4. Take regular breaks – Fatigue hits faster in low-light conditions. Pull over every 1–2 hours for a short walk and stretch.
5. Use high beams wisely – Switch to low beams when other vehicles are approaching. High beams are only useful on empty, open roads.
6. Check your vision – Night driving is tougher if your eyesight isn’t up to scratch. Regular eye checks are essential, and consider anti-reflective lenses if needed.
7. Limit distractions – Avoid phone use or fiddling with gadgets. Eyes need to stay on the road, and hands ready to react.

Night driving prep checklist

• Headlights cleaned and correctly aligned
• Windscreen and mirrors streak-free
• Dashboard and interior lights dimmed
• Rest breaks planned for long drives
• High beams set to auto or manually controlled
• Sunglasses off, and night-specific lenses if needed
• Vehicle mirrors adjusted to reduce glare

Common mistakes drivers make at night

• Overusing high beams near other vehicles
• Neglecting windscreen cleaning before a night trip
• Driving too long without a break
• Ignoring dashboard glare and interior lighting
• Assuming road markings are always clearly visible

Questions to ask a cleaning provider (for windscreen and mirrors)

1. What products do you use to avoid streaks and smears?
2. Do you clean both the inside and outside of the windscreen?
3. Can you treat mirrors to reduce glare?
4. How often should I have the windscreen professionally cleaned?
5. Do you offer anti-fog or anti-reflective treatments?
6. Are your services safe for tinted or coated glass?

Even small adjustments can make night driving far less stressful and a lot safer. Clean glass, correct lighting, and planned breaks give your eyes a chance to work effectively. Take a few minutes to prep your vehicle tonight—it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself on the road.