Your vision at night is reduced not only because you are exhausted, but also a lack of light, which makes it tough for you to avoid possible dangers or other motorists. There is one great thing about night motoring, though, and that is less traffic on the streets, providing you with more liberty when driving.

Anytime you are about to take a drive in the dark you will want to verify your headlamps are dirt- free and running properly. It is a law for night driving that your sidelights and number plate lights be turned on. When checking your headlights you need to make sure they are aligned correctly so as not to annoy or distract other drivers. When you feel that your headlamps are not lining up you should have them tested and retuned by a professional auto mechanic.

If you are driving with a heavy load in the rear or boot of your car you also may find that your headlights are pointing too high up. Once again this can prove distracting to other drivers, however it can normally be fixed by moving your headlight angle adjustment switch inside the cockpit.

Your vehicle lights should be turned on when the street lights are on. During grey days or unfavourable weather you should have your headlamps on. Any time there is a low light it is a good idea to have your headlamps on. Dark coloured vehicles can be more difficult to see by others; therefore your lights can help make other drivers be aware that you are on the road.

At night, dipped beam headlights should be used at all times, however on unlit roads you should also use your main beam headlights. Always be aware that main beam headlights can dazzle other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, so always be ready to switch them off before approaching them.

When following a vehicle closely at night you should also keep your main beam lights switched off. If you plan to overtake then you should exercise extreme caution because of the reduced visibility and optical illusions created by the dark. Pay particular attention to hidden dips or bends that may affect your ability to safely overtake.

Oncoming lights can be dangerous, as they affect how you can see. There are things you can do to avoid this experience. Rather than looking directly at the light as you are wont to do you should instead look to the left of the lights.

Always keep your windscreen clear of dirt, grease and grime as this can refract the light and be distracting, this is also true of any chips or cracks. Use the anti dazzle function on your rear view mirror when being followed at night and finally anticipate occasions when you could be dazzled, like on the approach to a right hand bend, and slow down accordingly.

Driving at night is an activity that should not be feared or worried about, but instead viewed as an enjoyable challenge and a chance to enjoy your vehicle when the roads are not as congested.

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