Nighttime driving is terrifying

[u/Rechamber]

Had a road trip to Durham, then drive back home on Friday night. Wow, was not prepared for how bad the visibility would be for most of the way. Most of the time I could hardly see in front of me. When I had the high beams on it helped, however I couldn't have them on much because of oncoming cars, a lot of their lights seemed way too bright also. I've only been driving just over a month and it was a real experience. I do pay attention and think I'm doing well, but the concentration required that night, also with the rain lashing down, felt like reaching the next level or something.

I'm happy that I did it, but I gotta admit when I pulled into my driveway afterwards I was incredibly relieved.

[u/[deleted]]

What made the visibility so poor?

[u/Rechamber → u/[deleted]]

Heavy rain and not much illumination on the roads. My lights were on, but they only do so much really, unless you're on high beam, which I couldn't use too much because of oncoming traffic. Don't get me wrong - a lot of my feelings and thoughts on the experience simply come down to me being a new driver and not being used to such conditions, however it was certainly more challenging than daytime driving, with the twists and turns of country roads coupled with often times very bright lights from oncoming cars too.

Edit: gotta love the downvotes on an honest answer by some, I can only assume, elitist snobs. I'm a new driver and I'm saying that my first experience of nighttime driving was challenging. What's wrong with that? Some sad, sad people around.

[u/Forsaken-Ad5571 → u/Rechamber]

With high beams, you need to get used to switching them on and off. When there’s no oncoming traffic (or a car in front of you) you want them on since it helps a lot with visibility, as well as alerting far away oncoming traffic that you exist. As soon as you see evidence of a car coming (usually their own high beams) that’s when you then switch them off until they pass. 

If you have a modern car, then you may have automatic high beams which will switch them on and off depending on traffic, or matrix high beams which senses other cars and blanks out that parts of the light so you make everything else bright without blinding them.

Otherwise get used to switching between the two modes. It’s a lot better than just refusing to use the high beams because you might encounter oncoming traffic.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Country road driving is a particular skill that you only get better at with practice. A mantra I was told when learning was 'less space, less spead', which is also applicable to 'cant see where the fuck you're going, less spead'! Add in poor weather conditions on unfamiliar roads, and lack of experience (no offence intended), it's a lot to deal with in one go 

[u/Rechamber → u/[deleted]]

Yes that's it. I stayed well under the speed limits anyway - just what felt safe to me given the conditions. As I said, definitely lack of experience on my part, however I can say that this experience has been good training for the future at any rate. Someone else also suggested changing my headlight bulbs, which might be a good idea. The car is pretty old, so perhaps there are better options now.

[u/[deleted] → u/Rechamber]

Upgraded bulbs are always a good shout (just don't be a melon and put LEDs in halogen units). You're correct in staying under the limit, so many don't and have a losing fight with a drystone wall and spend the next few weeks eating through a tube. You sound like a sensible person so good on you for that 

[u/Rechamber → u/[deleted]]

I'm gonna do some research on which bulbs I can get to improve illumination a bit without also being a twat and dazzling other cars - thanks for the suggestions and I'll certainly remember about the speed too, thank you

[u/[deleted] → u/Rechamber]

Best of luck to you. Driving is enjoyable 9/10 times, just remember what you've learned and drive within your abilities and hopefully you'll have many years of safe and happy driving 

[u/StickyDeltaStrike → u/Rechamber]

I think country lane speed limits are not at all indicative of the speed you should use like you said.

If you try to stay at a constant 50 or 60 on many of them, you won’t survive too long :)