Top tips for drivers during darker days: see and be seen, says GEM

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging all road users to see and be seen through the coming winter months. The nights are closing in, bringing reduced visibility, making hazards harder to spot, and increasing the risk of a collision.

October tends to bring a spike in road conditions, especially towards the end of the month when the clocks have been turned back an hour and it’s dark by 4 o’clock or shortly after.

However, a combination of straightforward actions can reduce these risks for drivers and those they meet on their journeys.

“Let’s start with how well we see,” says GEM Chief Executive Neil Worth. “Research has shown that we can lose 40 per cent of our eyesight over several years1, without even noticing. So, booking an eye test is a good way to ensure we can see and react to what’s happening around us when we’re at the wheel.

“Keeping vehicle lights clean and free of dirt means they’ll do their job more effectively, while ensuring your screen wash is topped up will help you to have a clear view through your windscreen – particularly important when bad weather reduces visibility.

“Check wipers for breaks and grease too, as they do a vital job in keeping your windscreen clear and unobstructed.”

Six other easy measures that can make a big difference in maximising visibility:

·      Removing dirt from lights, windows and mirrors should be a priority before any journey.

·      Rain and spray make driving difficult. Always slow down and use dipped headlights.

·      Glare from low winter sun can reduce visibility. In some circumstances, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, glare can leave drivers with no forward vision at all. Reflected glare from wet roads can also seriously compromise what we’re able to see. In these circumstances, slow down and even be prepared to stop.

·      Don’t delay switching on your lights. Even if your view of the road ahead is good, you may be much less visible to other road users, especially if you drive a dark-coloured vehicle.