Dangers to be aware of when driving in the country at night
Even if you’re used to driving in the city, driving in the country can be a different experience altogether. There likely won’t be any streetlights, so it will be darker than you’re used to, and the road conditions may be less predictable than smooth urban streets. This means that it’s important to use your high beams when necessary and make sure you’re paying attention to the road ahead. You may also be tired when you’re driving at night, which can reduce your alertness and increase the risk of you having an accident.
To combat this, you should make sure that your car is suitably prepared for your trip before you head out. Service and petrol stations can be more spread out in the countryside, and phone signal can be patchy, so make sure you’re prepared, especially in the winter months. Making sure your car has enough fuel and oil, as well as carrying equipment to change a tyre will stand you in good stead should the worst happen.
To avoid accidents, there are some hazards you should be on the lookout for at all times, but especially at night – let’s take a look at some examples.
Animals
Deer, foxes and badgers are just some of the creatures that love to come out at night. Especially if you’re driving in a remote or wooded area, they may be making use of the quiet time to look for food or cross the road, so bright headlights can frighten them into running in front of your vehicle. This hazard is only amplified for drivers of electric cars, since the animals can’t hear you coming clearly.
Make sure to drive slowly, and keep an eye out for any animals at the side of the road. It can be tempting to speed up on empty straights, but drivers are not the only road users.
Potholes and flooding
Country roads are notorious for having plenty of potholes and being prone to flooding, especially in areas with lots of flat fields, where the water might struggle to soak away. Unfortunately, these can be hard to see in the dark, and usually by the time you spot these hazards, you’re about to hit them and potentially skid or damage your car.
To protect yourself from this happening, try to drive slightly away from the edge of the road if it’s safe to do so, and moderate your speed. If you do come across flooding, make sure to assess whether you think it’s safe to drive through – experts recommend avoiding water deeper than 10cm. You should drive slowly and steadily, and make sure not to create a wave.
Sudden turns or crossroads
On a dark, unknown road it’s easy to miss turns, and it can feel frustrating knowing that you might have to drive for a fair distance before you can turn around again. But braking sharply or making dangerous manoeuvres can put you and other road users at risk. Make sure you leave plenty of time for your journey to avoid making poor decisions, and to reduce your stress levels.
Driving in the countryside can feel full of hazards, but by driving carefully, using your lights and horn, and leaving plenty of time, you can ensure you get to your destination safely.