Wild trend: 43% of young people are afraid to drive in the dark

Many young people have taken out driving licenses in order to manage their studies, work and leisure time more flexibly, but a new study from the Netherlands shows that they don’t always feel safe behind the wheel.

Of the 1,068 drivers who took part in the survey, almost 43% of young people say their anxiety increases when it gets dark or when the weather gets bad.

The numbers don’t stop there, as around one in four young drivers actually experience driving anxiety on a regular basis.

Across all age groups, more than 20 percent say they often feel tense when they get behind the wheel, but this figure rises to around 25 percent among young adults.

Uncertainty is not just about their own abilities. A third of young people get nervous when they see how other road users drive.

Darkness, rain, heavy traffic and the experience of unpredictable fellow road users cause shoulders to rise and hands to squeeze the steering wheel extra hard.

The result is a generation of licensed drivers who don’t necessarily feel at home on the road at the end of the day.

Fear changes the route and everyday life

Uncertainty in traffic has tangible consequences, with more than one in five drivers saying they deliberately avoid certain routes or situations.

Among young people, one thing in particular stands out. 13 percent try to avoid the highway altogether, even though it’s designed to be clearer and safer than smaller roads, but many find it too busy and stressful.

For almost 12 percent of young people, driving anxiety affects their studies, work or social activities.

They turn down appointments, choose jobs closer to home or rely on others to get around.

This reduces mobility, which can be costly for both work and leisure in the long run.

The survey also shows that there is a gap in young people’s knowledge of how to handle more demanding situations in traffic.

Some are already struggling at driving school, and there are examples of students who have taken the theory test up to 100 times, while several have more than 40 attempts at the actual driving test before they finally get their license.

At the same time, traffic is growing and the discussion about safety is becoming increasingly intense.

In Norway, politicians have proposed a speed limit of 30 km/h as a starting point in cities, and the motoring organization NAF supports the proposal as a way to reduce accidents in densely populated areas.

The general uncertainty among younger drivers is high, and many are calling for training that is not just about passing a test, but about building real confidence and routine in the dark and on difficult roads.

Advice to allay fears

The fear of driving in the dark is not just a Dutch or Nordic phenomenon.

In the UK, studies show the same pattern and according to WheelsWithinWales.com, 52% of drivers are worried about getting into an accident in the dark.

Fifty-seven percent of 18-34 year olds are worried about driving after sunset, according to the UK survey.

Almost 43% of fatal accidents occur between late afternoon and midnight and up to one in five accidents are thought to be related to fatigue.

The company ChooseMyCar has also compiled some simple advice for drivers who drive at night:

– Driving in the dark is inevitable, but it’s arguably more dangerous. Simple habits can be what prevents a serious accident, says founder Nick Zapolski.

He recommends always checking your lights and windshield before setting off, keeping extra distance from the car in front and choosing well-lit routes whenever possible.

An emergency kit in the car with a torch, blanket, water, snacks, charger, warning triangle and reflective vest can make a big difference if you have to stop on the side of the road after dark.

Your choice of glasses can also make a difference. Many drivers feel dazzled by modern headlights, and studies suggest that around 60 percent find the new lights too bright.

Anti-reflective lenses can reduce the feeling of being hit by bright light from oncoming traffic.