With the dark winter days upon us, the changing weather creates more adverse road conditions which could put drivers at risk of an accident when behind the wheel.
The Highway Code has a series of safety guidelines motorists should follow and these include how to handle driving in dark nights. As the clocks are due to go back this Sunday, October 30, drivers should be aware of these rules to stay safe as daylight hours decrease.
Such guidelines include maintaining a safe speed and ensuring your vehicle is fitted with proper headlights. Knowing these rules will keep both you and other motorists protected this season.
Read below to learn several ways drivers can increase their safety on the roads throughout the colder months, as reported by the Express.
Rule 229 - Windscreens
Motorists are being urged to make sure they can always see ahead of them when driving in winter.
The Highway Code explains that drivers must clear all snow and ice from all the windows. Before they set off, motorists must also ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.
It also provides an illustration of the correct manner in which drivers should act, showing a half-cleared windscreen with frost covering a pedestrian waiting to cross the road. In fact, motorists should clear the whole windscreen to ensure they have a full view of the road.
With temperatures dropping, Britain may see snow in the coming months with people hoping for a white Christmas. However, this comes with its own issues, with drivers being told to remove all snow from their car which could fall off into the path of other road users.
Drivers should also check their planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfall or severe weather are predicted.
Rule 113 - Lighting
It states drivers must ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise.
This is so other drivers travelling behind can see how far ahead they are, and when overtaking ensure they have enough space when moving around.
The rule adds: "Use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified."
Motorists must also use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. This could become a more common occurrence once it gets colder and fog makes it difficult for some drivers to see ahead when at the wheel.
Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
Rule 94 - Glasses
It states: "At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision."
While this is a simple rule, ensuring strong visibility on winter roads is key to maintaining safe driving.
With the nights getting longer, more drivers will be commuting in the dark, meaning it is vital for them to be safe and to make sure they can see the road ahead.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
