Having your headlights on seems obvious, but it’s not as simple as that. According to the Highway Code, sidelights and rear registration plate lights should also be lit when driving in the dark. It’s not just useful to do this in the dark though, you’ll want extra visibility in rain and fog, too.
It’s also worth keeping a torch and high-vis clothing in your car, just in case you break down in the dark – it’s important to stay safe and visible.
Lower visibility in winter weather or darkness can affect reaction times for drivers. So, being able to rely on your tyres is essential for stopping, braking and swerving any obstacles.
Your tyres will need a tread depth of more than 1.6mm across their breadth and should be pumped to meet the tyre pressure criteria as set out by your car manufacturer. You can also get your tyres thoroughly checked during a winter service or your annual MOT.
Did you know you can get special winter tyres? Some garages will store your summer tyres for free over winter and vice versa. They’ll also be happy to give you a tyre tread check.
If you drive your car at night, or early in the morning during the winter months, it’s likely to be dark, so give yourself extra time to react. You can do this by leaving longer stopping distances (a larger gap between you and the car in front) and driving slower, to give yourself more time to spot any hazards in the darkness. Even a pothole could end up being your worst enemy on a dark road, so the slower the safer.
Remember, everyone on the roads is navigating through the same conditions as you, so make sure to be patient and give other drivers time and space.
Black ice is where wet and freezing conditions combine to make ‘invisible’ ice. This can happen on any road, but less busy roads, or roads prone to potholes can often have it worse. It's also often found in sheltered road sections, such as under trees - and it’s even hard to spot in full daylight, let alone darkness.
So, if you're driving in icy weather, and you feel your car skidding, the key is not to brake or swerve, but to stay in control, gently slow down and remain calm. Swerving or braking suddenly could cause you to lose control of your car on the ice.
Taking a Pass Plus course will teach you how to drive at night and in wet or wintery weather conditions, so a Pass Plus test could really help with your skills and confidence. can help you gain skills and confidence for driving at night and in wet and wintery conditions. You could also get more acquainted with your vehicle.
So, stay safe, don’t drive tired, and always make sure you’re prepared before the journey ahead.
