Tip 1: Let your eyes get used to the dark

If you’re leaving a more brightly lit place, your eyes are still used to the light. Let them get used to the dark before you drive off. This prevents not seeing your environment properly when you’re on the road.

Tip 2: Keep the heating down

Heat and warmth can make us drowsy. This can be very dangerous if you’re driving. It causes your attention to weaken and your reaction time to lengthen. If it’s cold outside and you want the heating on, aim it at your feet. Your whole body will still warm up, but you remain sharp. 

Tip 3: Have a clean windshield

A clean windshield is always important. You can see better, more and more clearly through a clean windshield. Especially in the dark, this will really benefit you.

Tip 4: Set your rearview mirror to anti glare

Most rearview mirrors can be set to anti glare. This prevents you from being blinded by the headlights of the car behind you. You can set your mirror into this setting, with a little handle at the bottom of your mirror. This will tilt the mirror slightly downward, so the headlights of the car behind you don’t bother you so much.

Tip 5: Take your time

If you’re driving in the dark, it’s probably early in the morning or later in the evening. We’re usually (still) a little bit tired in those moments, which weakens your attention & reaction time. You also see less in the dark. For instance, a sharp turn might not always be very visible. Take your time and drive calmly. This gives you more time to anticipate & react. 

Tip 6: Focus on your own lane

It’s always important to focus on your own lane, but especially in the dark. It’s easy to get distracted by your surroundings. But if you keep your focus on your lane, you’re more aware of what’s going on. You’re also more likely to quickly see something you have to react to. This also helps against getting blinded by the headlights of oncoming traffic. Never look directly in these headlights, but keep your eyes on your lane.