Shining a Light on Safety: Driving in the Dark in 2026

April 2026

Many of us will find ourselves commuting in the dark, be it in the morning or evening time.   

Driving in the dark can be a daunting task for many; reduced visibility, glares from oncoming headlights, and the potential for encountering drowsy or impaired drivers all contribute to the challenges of driving in the dark. However, with the right precautions and a few handy tips, you can significantly improve your safety and confidence on the road.

• Headlights: Ensure your headlights are clean and properly aligned. Misaligned headlights can reduce your visibility and blind oncoming drivers.  
• Windshield and Windows: Keep your windshield and windows clean, both inside and out, to reduce glare and improve visibility.  
• Mirrors: Clean and adjust your mirrors to minimise glare from vehicles behind you.

• Low Beams: Use low beams when there is oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle to avoid blinding other drivers.  
• High Beams: Use high beams on open roads with no oncoming traffic to increase your visibility. Remember to switch back to low beams when you see another vehicle approaching.

Reduced visibility in the dark means you have less time to react to unexpected obstacles or changes in the road. Adjust your speed to allow for a longer reaction time and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

• Take Breaks: Take regular breaks on long trips to stretch and rest.  
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water to stay alert.  
• Avoid Heavy Meals: Large meals can make you feel drowsy.  
• Listen to Music or Podcasts: Engaging audio can help keep your mind active.

• Use Your Rearview Mirror's Night Setting: Many rearview mirrors have a night setting that reduces glare from headlights behind you.  
• Keep Your Dashboard Lights Dim: Bright dashboard lights can contribute to glare and reduce your overall visibility.

Pedestrians and animals can be difficult to see in the dark. Be vigilant, especially in residential areas and rural roads. Watch for the reflection of your headlights in animals' eyes and be prepared to stop if necessary.

The RSA's 2026 campaign has distributed over 250,000 high-vis items. As a driver, watch for: 

• Pedestrians: Often walking on the right-hand side (facing you) in rural areas. 
• Cyclists: Expect flashing white lights in front and red in the rear. 
• Animals: Look for "eye shine" in the ditches—a deer's eyes will reflect your high beams long before you see the animal itself. 

In 2026, the RSA’s "Crash Hour" campaign (highlighting the high-risk 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window) has brought driver fatigue into sharp focus. For night shift workers, the commute home is often the most dangerous part of the day, as your internal body clock (circadian rhythm) is at its lowest point between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

If you're driving in an unfamiliar area, plan your route in advance. Familiarise yourself with the roads and any potential hazards. Use GPS or a navigation app to help you stay on track. 

Always have an emergency kit in your vehicle, especially when driving at night. Your kit should include:  

• A flashlight with extra batteries  
• Reflective triangles or flares  
• A first-aid kit  
• Basic tools  
• A blanket  
• Non-perishable snacks and water  

Driving in the dark doesn't have to be intimidating. By following these tips, you can enhance your safety and make your driving experience more comfortable. Stay alert, use your lights appropriately, and always be prepared for the unexpected. Safe travels!

When a vehicle with high-intensity LEDs (especially SUVs) approaches, look toward the left-hand verge (the white line at the edge of the road). This uses your peripheral vision to track the road while protecting your central vision from the "dazzle" effect. If you are still blinded, slow down or stop safely until the glare clears.

There is no specific law against them, but the RSA generally advises caution. While they reduce glare, they also reduce the total amount of light entering your eye, which can hide hazards in poorly lit areas. Instead, many 2026 drivers opt for anti-reflective (AR) coatings on their standard prescription glasses, which reduce internal reflections without dimming your view.

• High Beams: Use on unlit, open roads when no other vehicles are in sight. 
• Dipped Beams: You must switch to these when: 
• Meeting oncoming traffic (including cyclists and pedestrians). 
• Driving behind another vehicle. 
• Driving in built-up/residential areas with streetlights. 
• Driving in fog or heavy snow (high beams reflect off the mist, blinding you further).

Streaks are caused by a "traffic film" on the inside of the glass. In 2026, the best method is a two-step clean: 

1. Use an automotive glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth to degrease. 
2. Follow up with a second, dry microfiber cloth to buff the glass in circular motions. Tip: Clean in vertical strokes on the outside and horizontal on the inside so you can instantly tell which side a streak is on!

Yes. While DRLs are bright enough to see the road in front, they do not activate your taillights in most cars. Driving at night without rear illumination is a chargeable offence. You must manually ensure your dipped beams are on so other drivers can see you from behind.

This guidance is for general information purposes only. Allianz accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses that may arise from any reliance upon the information contained in this guidance.

Information correct as at 20/04/2026