Drivers over 60 in Cornwall are being asked to share what makes driving in the dark harder for them, in a short survey launched as the clocks go back.
Age Friendly Cornwall is running the survey with Cornwall Council’s Transport team ahead of Road Safety Week, which takes place from 15 to 21 November.
Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“As the nights draw in, darker driving conditions can affect vision in all sorts of ways.
"While the glare from oncoming headlights may make it harder to see clearly for a short time and can affect any driver, older adults are often more likely to experience them because of age-related changes in eyesight."
The survey asks about things like headlight glare, unlit roads and bad weather, and whether dark evenings stop people doing the things they enjoy.
The survey is completely anonymous and should take less than 3 minutes to complete.
Cllr Jim Mckenna, Cabinet Member for Adults and the Chair of Age Friendly Cornwall, said:
“Getting out to see friends, go to clubs and take part in community life is a big part of living well as we get older.
“We want to understand whether dark evenings get in the way of that for people, and we can only do that by asking.”
Statistically across the UK the number of road casualties rises as the clocks change, with the effects being worse for the most vulnerable road users.
To support all residents, we have also created a list of some easy things everyone can do to make driving at night easier:
Keep your windscreen clean inside and out. Dirt, dust and smears can increase glare from sunlight and headlights, reducing visibility.
Check your vehicle's lights regularly. Before setting off, make sure your headlights, sidelights, brake lights and indicators are working correctly.
Leave a safe following distance. Creating a "safety bubble" around your vehicle gives you more time to react and stop safely if something unexpected happens.
Adjust dashboard brightness. Dimming dashboard lights can help reduce distractions and make it easier to see the road ahead.
Ensure your glasses are suitable for night driving. Anti-reflective lenses can help reduce glare and eye strain. If you're considering tinted or filtered lenses, seek advice from your optician first.
Manage headlight glare safely. Focus on the left-hand edge of the road until the vehicle has passed.
Use your rear-view mirror's anti-dazzle setting. Adjusting your mirror can help minimise glare from vehicles behind you.
Check your headlight alignment. Correctly adjusted headlights improve visibility while reducing the risk of dazzling other road users.
Use full beam responsibly. Full beam can improve visibility on unlit roads, but it should be dipped when approaching or following other vehicles to avoid causing glare.
Take your time. Allow extra time for your journey and avoid rushing. It's always better to arrive safely than to take unnecessary risks.
Plan ahead for night-time journeys. If possible, choose familiar routes and ensure your vehicle is in good condition before you travel.
You find the survey on Let’s Talk Cornwall.
Let's Talk Cornwall age friendly driving survey
The survey closes on 21 November 2026 and the data will be used to help us shape our road safety work, transport and advice.