LOW RISK DRIVING

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F.36    Driving at night

A simple error, failing to switch on the headlights at night, caused the following horror crash:

It is raining and winter time, already dark even at 5 pm. Rushing home from work to meet a tight social schedule, the young driver is about to turn left, happy that there is a break in the long queue of oncoming headlights.
The experienced 25 year old judges his approach to take advantage of turning without delay. After he decides to turn, a last minute glimpse through the wet windscreen reveals a horrible truth. What he had perceived as a gap in the traffic is a vehicle about to smash into him - NO HEADLIGHTS!

(Photo: R. thripp   rxthripp.com)

Lights reflect on a wet road. Slow down !

Basic safety rules for night driving:

Put your lights on early! Initially this is to be seen!

Keep your windscreen and head-lights clean. A dirty windscreen, and/or dirty headlights reduce visibility greatly, increasing the risk of crashing!

Don’t look into oncoming headlights. To keep on course gauge your steering on the right boundary of the road, until traffic has passed.

Dip your headlights (minimum 200 m) for oncoming traffic ... ... and when following another vehicle. Most modern vehicles display a blue warning light on the dashboard, when lights are on high beam.

Driving on high-beam may dazzle oncoming drivers, either directly or via the rear-vision mirror. Find out before taking the steering wheel of an unfamiliar vehicle (hire-car etc) which is the high-beam switch.

Looking for any control switch (seat adjustment, windscreen wiper, lights etc.) while driving may lead to a serious crash. (See Distraction, Chapter 26).

Lights and no lights!

Headlights have two functions: To see and to be seen.
What a difference the headlights make to the vehicles on the far left.

Note the pedestrian (circled). Wearing bright clothing would be safer!

LIGHTS - - - SEE and - - - BE SEEN !

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Reviewed July 2010	Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!
	T> A	Forgetting to switch on the headlights at night is dangerous.	F> D
	T> F	Turning on the headlights too early irritates other motorists.	F> R
	T> R	It is best to keep headlights clean to gain maximum visibility at night.	F> O
	T> I	Dipping headlights is necessary for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.	F> R
	T> V	Headlights at night are as much to been seen than they are to see.	F> T
	T> H	At night it is best to watch oncoming headlights to safely pass oncoming traffic	F> I
	T> E	Dip your headlights for oncoming traffic at 100 meters minimum distance.	F> N
	T> G	Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright clothing at night.	F> L