Road safety week: What to do if you’re dazzled by headlights

Driving in the dark: Experts share ultimate checklist for safe driving this winter

5 ways to stay safe on UK roads this winter, according to experts

This is what to do if you get blinded by headlights

As the clocks go back and darker evenings settle in, navigating UK roads becomes increasingly challenging. With 33% of severe accidents occurring during the darker months between December and February¹, it’s vital for drivers to adjust their habits to stay safe in low-visibility conditions.

In recognition of Road Safety Week, which lasts from the 17th to the 23^rd of November, the motoring experts at ATS Euromaster have compiled a checklist of five essential lesser-known tips to ensure safer driving at night.

1. Reduce glare by adjusting your rear-view mirror

Most vehicles are equipped with a night mode on the rear-view mirror, usually activated by a small tab at the bottom of the mirror. Flip this tab to reduce glare from headlights behind you, helping you stay focused, comfortable and aware of anyone approaching from behind.

2. Focus on the road edge if dazzled by headlights

If you’re blinded by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, avoid looking directly into the light.

Instead, slow down and avert your eyes slightly to the side, without taking your eyes off the road, until the vehicle passes. This trick helps maintain your focus and reduces the blinding effect.

3. Dim your dashboard lights to keep your eyes adjusted

Bright dashboard lights can impair your night vision, making it harder to spot potential hazards outside – especially if you’re distracted with tasks like changing the radio.

Set your dashboard lights to a comfortable, dim level to help your eyes stay better adjusted to the dark road ahead.

4. Keep your windscreen clean for clearer visibility

Smudges and dirt on your windscreen can scatter light and create glare, reducing visibility at night. Regularly clean both the inside and outside of your windscreen to maintain a clear view, especially after rain, snow or frost.

5. Avoid cruise control on slippery roads
While cruise control can be useful during long journeys, you should avoid using it on icy, wet, or snowy roads. Keeping full control of your speed and direction allows you to react quickly to any changing road conditions or hazards in the dark. Remember, having lower visibility can leave you with less time to react to hazards, making control a more essential aspect of safe driving.

Simon Waye, technical engineer at ATS Euromaster comments: “These tips can help everyday drivers adapt to the demands of winter roads, keeping themselves and others safe during one of the most dangerous times of year for road users.”

To keep yourself safe on winter road trips, make sure you’re prepared ahead of any journeys. Check out the 10 tips for winterproofing your car: https://blog.atseuromaster.co.uk/news/winterproofing-and-hazardous-driving.