How to drive safely at night




Night driving can be difficult for many people, particularly for inexperienced drivers and the elderly. The young inexperienced driver generally learns to drive during daylight hours, and not on major roads or motorways. The elderly may have a wealth of driving experience, but can be hindered by poorer eyesight and slower reaction times. Both these groups are more prone to suffer car accidents when driving at night, but there are simple precautions that can be taken to avoid situations where you may be involved in a car accident.

Driving in the dark is a lot different from driving during the daylight hours, our field of vision is significantly reduced due to the lack of natural light. Here are some tips on how to drive safely at night.

How to drive safely at night

  • Check that all your lights are in good order, and that your windscreen is clean

  • Ensure that you get your eyes checked at least once a year, and if you need glasses to drive - wear them

  • Do not wait until you find it difficult to see in front of you before putting your lights on. Remember your lights are not just to help you see, but they are also to help others see you

  • Allow your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the dark before setting off on your journey

  • Never drive with the interior light on, your eyes will be adjusted to the bright light inside and not to the darkness outside

  • If you need to look at an oncoming vehicle, try to look between their headlights or at the road just in front of them

  • Avoid driving when tired - many car accidents are caused by over tired drivers making careless mistakes. If you start feeling tired, take a break and have a cup of tea or coffee before continuing

  • Be alert, do not use excessive speed or drive too close to the car in front

  • When manoeuvring, make sure your mirror is in the 'anti-glare' position and always signal well in advance

  • Do not drink any alchohol before driving your car, it's not worth the risk


If you have had a car accident that was not your fault we can help you claim compensation. Please give us a call us on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to help you.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury