Lighting and weather conditions

Driving at night

You can’t see as far ahead at night, so try to get help from

• illuminated signs
• reflective signs
• reflectors between white lines
• the glow of vehicle headlights on trees and buildings, indicating a corner or junction.

Be aware of the hazards of driving at night. In particular

• it can be difficult to judge distance and speed from the headlights of approaching vehicles
• bright lights on some vehicles make it difficult to see less bright lights, such as those of cyclists or low-powered motorcycles
• keep a good lookout for pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and other road users, and don’t let shop and advertising signs distract you.

More information about driving at night can be found in section 13.

Weather conditions

Many different weather conditions can make driving more difficult.

Rain and wet roads can create hazards at any time of year.

Rain

Rain makes headlights less effective at night. On dark and poorly lit roads, slow down and watch for unlit objects such as roadworks, builders’ skips or parked cars. Drive more slowly and carefully in rain. Match your speed to the conditions.

Wet roads

Stay alert to the road surface because you might have to brake. Ask yourself

• Is the road slippery?
• Is it a good surface on which to brake?

If the surface is wet, allow more time to stop.

A wet road means

• less efficient braking
• a longer distance needed to stop
• a greater risk of skidding.

On wet roads, take the conditions into account and reduce your speed.

Don’t splash pedestrians as you drive through puddles. This is an offence and you could be prosecuted.

At night, wet roads can

• increase distracting reflected light
• make unlit objects very difficult to see.

More information about driving in different weather conditions can be found in section 12.