Safer motorhoming in the dark

Drive more safely in the darker days

Road Safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging all road users to see and be seen through the coming winter months. Darker days bring poor visibility and higher risk of collisions, simply because it can be harder to spot hazards. 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," suggests GEM chief executive David Williams MBE. "Research has shown that we can lose 40% of our eyesight over a number of years, 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 gain the best view through your windscreen - particularly important when bad weather reduces visibility. Check wipers, too, as they do a vital job in keeping your windscreen clear and unobstructed," says David Williams.

Other easy measures can make a big difference in maximizing visibility: Removing ice and snow from lights, windows and mirrors is a priority before any journey in cold weather. 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.

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 motorhome. Even if your 'van is fitted with automatic lights check that they are switched on in daylight fog, heavy rain or snow as the sensors may not operate in such conditions.

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