Here at Skipton Self Drive, we hire out cars and vans all year round, come rain or shine. With that in mind, we want to keep all our hirers safe and sound when their driving an unfamiliar vehicle. So, to help you stay safe, we’ve put together an essential guide to help you and other road users while driving in the darker and colder months.
Use your lights appropriately
In these winter months, you’re more than likely to be driving in the dark. The reduced daylight conditions see a rise in the number of road users killed or injured. It seems obvious but using your lights is more than just having them turned on. Firstly, it’s illegal to drive in the dark without functioning front and rear lights, so make regular checks to ensure they’re working properly.
If a bulb needs replacing, get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid being stopped by the police.
How you use your lights is extremely important too. Turn your dipped headlights on at least an hour before sunset and after sunrise to make yourself visible to other road users. Use full beam on poorly lit roads but dip your lights for oncoming vehicles to avoid dazzling drivers.
If you’re hiring a vehicle from us, we’d recommend familiarising yourself with the lights before starting your journey. There’s nothing worth the finding yourself in thick fog and not being able to locate the front and rear fog lights!
Pay attention to your windows
If you can’t see you can’t drive, so make sure windows are clear. Dirt and condensation can build up and impair your vision, so take the time to clean your windows before you set off.
Due to colder weather your car heaters can blow dirty air at your windscreens causing a build-up of a hazy film which can increase glare from oncoming headlamps. Antifreeze and scrapers must also be used in colder weather. Never drive a car until any frost and ice has completely gone from your line of vision.
Don’t stare at oncoming vehicles
Again, this might seem obvious, but when an oncoming vehicle is coming at you on a dark road, your eyes can often to automatically drawn them. To avoid yourself from being dazzled by other driver’s headlights, make a conscious effort to not look directly at them. The glare from the bright light can impair your vision, making you more likely to panic and lose control of your vehicle.
Look at the left-hand side of the road and follow the white road marking, if there is one, to keep a track on your position on the road.
If you do become dazzled and are struggling to see anything slow down but don’t immediately stop, as this could cause the drivers travelling behind you to run into the back of you.
Watch out for other road users
Pedestrians and cyclists are harder to spot in the dark and face an increased risk this time of year. Especially as not everyone will be wearing reflective clothing!
Take extra care when driving round residential and school areas so you have time to react if someone does step out in front of you.
Animals tend to come out more in the dark too (something which is quite familiar to those who live in and around Skipton!) so be vigilant for any unexpected movements at the side of country roads. Look out for animal road signs to alert you if there’s a possibility they’re going to be near the roadside. Keep your speed down while driving in these areas.
Get your eyes tested
Driving as day turns into night can be tricky for your eyes as they’re constantly adjusting to the loss of light. This gets especially hard as we age.
If you’re struggling to read traffic signs or number plates, for example, it may be time to get your eyes tested. If you need to wear glasses while driving, speak to your optician about anti-reflective coating on your lenses to cope with glare from travelling in the dark.
Don’t drive tired
Tiredness can make you as dangerous to other road users as drink drivers, if you’re feeling tired stop and take a break.
If you’re going on a long drive or travelling on motorways and dual carriageways make sure to schedule in stops to freshen up.
Hopefully, this guide will help you before you set out on any journeys in the dark. If you’re looking to hire a car or van for an upcoming journey, we can help you. Contact us today on 01756 792911 or use our contact form.
