Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Night driving dilemma

52 replies

Hullabaloo9 · 01/12/2023 23:30

Despite being a confident and experienced driver during the day, my ability to drive confidently after dark (on unlit roads) is massively reduced. I think maybe I process visual information slower than an average person or something as the distance lit by my headlights seems only just enough to react twists and turns. It makes me really anxious as I feel like I'm driving somewhat blind.

As part of my new job I have to drive home once a week, after dark, down winding country roads for about 4 miles. Visibility and road markings are poor but as its rural its mostly 50mph or national speed limit, broken by stretches of 30mph through small villages.

This is so hard for me to navigate and I feel like I am an absolute nuisance. My strategy is to drive as fast as I can safely see, which is around 40mph (excepting the villages obvs). I know this is a pet hate of many motorists but if I drive any faster I will be at such high risk of missing a turn and veering off the road. I feel driving smoothly at 40 is better than driving a normal speed on the straights then having to brake more than is usualand for bends etc. If it makes a difference it is around 7pm, so not peak time.

AIBU to drive at 40mph in these circumstances, knowing i am an inconvenience (to the odd driver, not huge tailbacks) but that i would be putting my life at risk to drive faster?

OP posts:
friendlycat · 01/12/2023 23:45

I completely hear you. I avoid this type of situation at all cost. But since you have to do this well done for asking and recognising what you feel are safe speeds for you in the dark on these rural twisty roads.

I find it astounding the speed limits on some of the country roads that are bendy, twisty etc that are the same as other dual carriageways that are straight with 50mph restrictions.

Practice will help as you will in time know the bends more. My only other suggestion would be is it worth booking a driving instructor for a few night time sessions on the same road to build your confidence?

ntmdino · 01/12/2023 23:33

Totally reasonable to drive a bit slower at night, especially on twisty rural roads.

For what it's worth, whenever I'm on the back roads I always have Waze open on my phone at the side of the steering wheel - with a highlighted route, you've got pretty good warning of the turns that are coming up.