Whether it's a holiday or a long weekend, hitting the road for a getaway to your favorite camping site, beach, or fishing spot is a common delight.

Often, part of this journey might involve driving at night on rural or country roads, which are typically unlit and can be quite dark. This requires additional caution. With that in mind, here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable nighttime drive.

First thing’s first
Before embarking on any road trip, perform a vehicle inspection—this should include a thorough check of all lights to ensure they're functioning correctly.

Keep it clean
Make sure your windscreen and mirrors are spotless. Smudged mirrors can create glare and obscure the outlines of vehicles behind you.

Carry spare globes
Globes should be included in your vehicle's spare parts kit; they are affordable, and you'll be grateful to have them available if you ever need a replacement.

Adjust your rear view mirror
This will minimize the glare from headlights of vehicles behind you reflecting in your mirror.

Don’t stare directly at oncoming lights
Headlights from other vehicles, particularly high beams, can temporarily dazzle you, impacting your vision and causing short-term blindness.

Dim your dash panel lights
When instrument panel lights are excessively bright, they can divert your attention and diminish your ability to see the road clearly.

Take breaks
Navigating the roads after dark demands heightened concentration, which can be exhausting. To combat fatigue, pause frequently to give your eyes a chance to rest and recharge.

Keep your eyes moving
Shifting your gaze across your field of vision instead of fixating on one spot can help alleviate eye strain.

If foggy don’t use high beams
High beams tend to reflect off fog, which can significantly impair your visibility. For drivers who frequently navigate through foggy regions, it is wise to invest in a set of fog lamps.

Add auxiliary lighting
Enhancing your vehicle's lighting system can significantly improve nighttime visibility. Based on your needs, you might consider installing extra lights or upgrading the globes and headlamp wiring for better performance.

From everyone at Autolume - stay safe on the roads.