DRIVERS aged over 60 in Cornwall are being asked to reveal what makes driving after dark more difficult, as a new survey seeks to improve road safety and help older people stay mobile.

Age Friendly Cornwall has teamed up with Cornwall Council’s transport team to launch the survey as the clocks go back and darker evenings become part of daily life.

The initiative comes ahead of Road Safety Week, which runs from November 15 to 21, and aims to establish how changing light conditions affect older motorists and their confidence behind the wheel.

The survey asks drivers about problems including glare from oncoming headlights, poorly lit roads and bad weather, as well as whether darker evenings discourage them from going out and taking part in activities.

Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council’s 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.”

Cllr Jim McKenna, cabinet member for adults and chairman of Age Friendly Cornwall, said the council wanted to understand whether poor visibility was affecting people's ability to remain socially active.

“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,” he said. “We want to understand whether dark evenings get in the way of that for people, and we can only do that by asking.”

The survey is anonymous and takes less than three minutes to complete.

The council says road casualties statistically increase across the UK around the clocks changing, with vulnerable road users particularly affected.

Alongside the survey, residents are being offered advice on making night-time journeys safer.

Motorists are urged to keep windscreens clean, check that all vehicle lights are working and leave plenty of space between themselves and the vehicle in front.

Drivers should also consider reducing dashboard brightness to limit distractions, checking their headlights are correctly aligned and ensuring their glasses are suitable for night driving.

Those struggling with glare from approaching vehicles are advised to focus on the left-hand edge of the road until the vehicle has passed. Using the anti-dazzle setting on rear-view mirrors can also help reduce glare from traffic behind.

Full beam headlights can improve visibility on unlit roads but should be dipped when approaching or following other vehicles to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Motorists are also encouraged to allow extra time for journeys, avoid rushing and choose familiar routes where possible.

The council says planning ahead and ensuring vehicles are in good condition can help reduce risks when driving in darkness.

The survey closes on November 21, 2026, with responses set to help shape future road safety work, transport planning and advice across Cornwall.

It can be completed through the Let's Talk Cornwall website.