Ask any new driver what scares them most and night driving wins by a mile. The good news: it's a skills gap, not a courage gap. Five habits close it.
1. Dip early, dip always
Switch to low beam the moment you see oncoming lights — not when they flash you. On unlit roads, high beam is your best friend until traffic appears; hesitation blinds others.
2. Look away from the glare
When headlights hit your eyes, drop your gaze to the left lane marking (or road edge) and hold your line. Staring into bright lights leaves afterimages; looking down-left keeps you tracking straight.
3. Slow down more than feels necessary
You should always be able to stop within the distance your headlights reveal — roughly 80 metres on low beam. At 100 km/h you need more than that, so night speed is simply lower speed.
4. Clean glass, inside and out
A hazy windshield turns every light into a starburst. Wipe the inside monthly, keep washer fluid full, and check both headlights actually work before long night drives.
5. Plan for tiredness
Fatigue hits hardest after dark. Yawning, sore eyes, wandering thoughts — any one of them means stop, stretch, and consider whether the trip can wait until morning.
- Dip for oncoming traffic — early
- Gaze to the lane line when dazzled
- Stop within what your lights show