Night Driving Tips 2026 | Safe Driving in Dark & Fog

Types of Vehicle Lights:

• Sidelights (parking lights): Dim lights for parking in dark areas
• Dipped headlights (low beam): Standard night driving lights
• Full beam (high beam): Maximum visibility, use with care
• Fog lights (front): For fog, mist, heavy rain
• Rear fog light: Red light for poor visibility from behind
• Hazard lights: For breakdowns or emergencies only

When to Use Each:

Dipped Headlights:

• When visibility is reduced (rule of thumb: can't see 100m ahead)
• From sunset to sunrise
• In tunnels
• During rain, snow, or overcast conditions
• Required by law in many countries during daytime

Full Beam:

• Open roads with no oncoming traffic
• No vehicles ahead of you
• Rural areas, unlit roads
• Switch to dipped when vehicles approach

Fog Lights:

• Only when visibility is seriously reduced (below 100m)
• Must be turned off when visibility improves
• Illegal to use in normal conditions (dazzles others)

Speed Adjustment:

• Drive within the range of your headlights
• You should be able to stop within the distance you can see
• Dipped headlights show about 30-40 meters ahead
• Reduce speed compared to daytime

Observation Changes:

• Look for the lights of other vehicles
• Use road reflectors (cat's eyes) for guidance
• Watch for pedestrians in dark clothing
• Be alert for animals at dusk and dawn
• Reflective road signs are your friends

Driving Position:

• Ensure dashboard lights aren't too bright
• Keep windscreen clean inside and out
• Make sure mirrors are adjusted to reduce glare
• Avoid looking directly at oncoming lights

Overall Distance:

• Increase following distance
• Start braking earlier than normal
• Give yourself more time to react
• Pass cautiously, ensure clear road ahead

Managing Oncoming Headlights:

• Don't look directly at approaching headlights
• Focus on the left edge of the road (right in UK)
• Use road markings as guidance
• Slow down if temporarily blinded

If You're Dazzled:

• Slow down or stop if necessary
• Don't retaliate with your full beam
• Avoid looking at the lights
• Wait for your vision to recover
• Use peripheral vision

Preventing Glare Issues:

• Keep windscreen clean (dirt causes light scatter)
• Use anti-glare glasses if needed (prescription)
• Adjust rearview mirror to night setting
• Ensure your own headlights are properly aligned

If Another Driver's Lights Aren't Dipping:

• Flash your lights briefly as a reminder
• Don't keep your full beam on in response
• Slow down and focus on road edge
• Report obviously dangerous behavior

Fog Driving Rules:

• Use dipped headlights, not full beam
• Full beam reflects off fog and reduces visibility
• Use fog lights when visibility below 100 meters
• Use rear fog light so following vehicles can see you

Speed in Fog:

• Drive at a speed where you can stop within visible distance
• If you can only see 30 meters, be able to stop in 30 meters
• Don't use the car in front as a guide (if they crash, you crash)
• Be prepared for sudden changes in visibility

Fog Safety Tips:

• Can you see 100 meters? (About the length of a football field)
• If not, fog lights are appropriate
• Listen for traffic at junctions (open window)
• Don't overtake unless absolutely necessary
• Use road markings as guide
• Turn off music to improve concentration

After the Fog:

• Remember to turn off fog lights!
• It's illegal to use them in clear conditions
• Rear fog lights dazzle following drivers
• Check mirrors to ensure they're not still on

Rain Effects on Driving:

• Stopping distances double on wet roads
• Spray from other vehicles reduces visibility
• Road markings become less visible
• Risk of aquaplaning (hydroplaning)

Aquaplaning:

• Occurs when tires ride on water layer
• Loss of steering and braking control
• More likely at higher speeds
• Signs: Light steering, increased engine noise

If You Aquaplane:

• Don't brake suddenly
• Ease off the accelerator
• Hold steering straight
• Wait for tires to regain grip

Rain Driving Tips:

• Use dipped headlights (even during day)
• Increase following distance significantly
• Avoid deep puddles when possible
• Brake gently and earlier than usual
• Avoid harsh acceleration
• Use air conditioning to reduce windscreen misting

After Heavy Rain:

• Test brakes gently after going through water
• Watch for debris washed onto roads
• Be aware of localized flooding

Signs of Driver Fatigue:

• Frequent yawning
• Heavy eyelids, difficulty keeping eyes open
• Drifting within lane or onto rumble strips
• Missing signs or exits
• Difficulty remembering last few minutes
• Restlessness and impatience

High-Risk Times:

• 2 AM - 6 AM (circadian low point)
• 2 PM - 4 PM (post-lunch dip)
• After long periods without sleep
• During long monotonous drives

What to Do:

• Plan rest stops every 2 hours
• Share driving if possible
• Stop and take a 15-20 minute nap
• Fresh air and stretching help temporarily
• Caffeine takes 20 minutes to work (nap then caffeine)

What Doesn't Work:

• Opening windows (temporary only)
• Turning up music (doesn't prevent microsleeps)
• Pushing through (dangerously ineffective)
• Energy drinks alone (crash follows)

Test Topic:

• Theory tests often ask about fatigue warning signs
• Know that the ONLY real solution is to stop and sleep
• Never underestimate how dangerous tired driving is