RAC advises on winter dazzle

22 October 2003: With the clock going back this weekend and meaning darker evenings, the RAC School of Motoring is giving advice on driving in the increasingly dark autumn and winter evenings.

Dazzle from the headlights of oncoming vehicles can be very disorientating for new drivers. If the dazzle means you can’t see properly, slow down as the road ahead of you may not be clear. And don’t be an inconsiderate dazzler yourself – keep your own lights off full-beam

Always use dipped headlights when following other vehicles and in built-up areas

Remember that other vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians won’t necessarily be wearing light-coloured clothes – so keep a special watch for them, especially in areas without street lighting or proper footpaths

Keep all windows clean – both inside and out. Streaked windows make it almost impossible to see anything when another car is approaching you in the dark

Never overtake unless you are absolutely certain it is safe to do so. It is much more difficult to judge a safe gap in the dark

Eyes are under far greater strain in dark conditions. If you wear glasses, clean the lenses and avoid tinted ones

Speed needs to be reduced when driving in the dark. Always drive at a speed at which you can stop within the distance revealed in your lights

Space should be maintained all around your car to give you time to react to unexpected events safely – particularly in darkness.

©2003 irishcar.com