Driving in the dark

When it is dark, visibility is drastically reduced. You must adjust both speed and use of lights to detect obstacles in time and avoid dazzling other road users.

Types of lights and when they are used

Read more about this in lights and light usage on the car .

Adjusting speed in the dark

You must always be able to stop within the distance you can see is clear. With low beams, this often means reducing speed to 60–70 km/h, even if the speed limit is higher.

• High beams provide longer visibility, but must be dimmed when meeting oncoming traffic.
• Dim in good time so that the oncoming driver is not dazzled.
• After being dazzled, the eyes need 3–5 seconds to adjust back to the dark.

Eye adaptation and dazzling

When coming from a well-lit area to darkness, the eyes take time to adjust. Avoid looking directly at light sources. If an oncoming car forgets to dim:

• Look toward the right edge of the road to avoid dazzling.
• Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.

Dangers in the dark

• Pedestrians and cyclists without reflectors are difficult to see.
• Animals on the road are often noticed too late without high beams.
• Supercooled rain and ice are hard to see in the dark.

Adjust your speed according to conditions as described in adjusted speed and hidden hazards .

Further reading

• Speed and weather conditions
• Calculation of stopping distance
• Warning signs and warning triangle
• Tire types and tire requirements