16 January 2012

The right night vision

Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive this week advises on driving in the dark.

* To improve your view as far as possible, keep your lights and windscreen clean.

* Use main beam, but when other drivers are approaching, and when following others, make sure you dip your lights to avoid dazzling the oncoming traffic.

* Only use fog lights when visibility is below 100 metres. Rear fog lights distract and can mislead others because they look like brake lights.

* Make sure you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.

* If you're feeling tired, caffeine alone is not a fix. Take a break, drink a cup of coffee and have a 20 minute nap after drinking coffee.

*If an approaching car forgets to dip its lights, glance to the left-hand kerb to avoid being dazzled.

* If it's gloomy in the morning, don't forget to put your lights on.