DRIVING at night is something which many drivers dislike, including Green Flag Team England football player, Gareth Southgate, who admits that it is the driving condition he likes least.

Dark nights can also present many hazards, so it is important to remember that night driving demands special techniques and precautions, warns leading motor assistance provider, Green Flag.

As the days become shorter, drivers will be spending many hours of motoring in the dark. Even during daylight hours and in good weather, visibility will be reduced. Motorists are urged to remember that driving conditions are set to become more difficult overnight.

Green Flag offers several tips to avoid night-driving nightmares. It's better to see and be seen, so don't be afraid to switch off your lights before anyone else. Street lights are not an indication of when you should turn on your lights.

Dark coloured cars should switch on earlier and switch off later. Always use dipped headlights when driving in built-up areas to avoid dazzling other motorists.

Always be aware of pedestrians or cyclists - they may be difficult to see if road lighting is poor. If you need to warn other road users of your presence, don't use your horn, simply flash your headlights to attract attention.

Your lights tell other drivers of your movements, so use them with care and consideration.

Always use dipped headlines at any time when visibility is reduced, even in the day. Keep your headlights clean. Always check your lights before a long journey, especially if you will be driving at dusk. Brake lights can dazzle, so if you're waiting at traffic lights, remember to use the handbrake.

You'll need to take extra care when overtaking at night as poor light reduces visibility. Don't attempt to overtake if there is a possibility of: bends ahead, road junctions, the brow of a hill, pedestrian crossings, double white lines in the road ahead.

When overtaking, always dip your lights to avoid dazzling the driver ahead, and don't use full beam in the face of oncoming drivers.

You must not park at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow, It's an offence to leave headlights on when the vehicle is parked.

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