- A Ford study reveals that Spanish drivers are giving up their social lives: almost 3 out of 5 (56%) change their evening plans at least once a month to avoid driving in the dark.
- Fear has a hidden cost: 20% of drivers in Spain pay more than €100 a year for alternative transport to avoid dark roads.
- Fog and rural roads dominate winter anxiety; 50% of Spaniards fear fog and almost 6 out of 10 (58%) find rural routes daunting after dark.
- Call for confidence: nearly 7 out of 10 (69%) car buyers in Spain consider advanced safety features, especially superior headlights, to be ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important.
As winter progresses and daily journeys are made in the dark, a new report from Ford reveals the profound impact that anxiety about night-time driving has on the lives of Spanish motorists. Far from being a mere inconvenience, concerns about driving on poorly lit roads are actively limiting social lives, incurring expense and generating strong demand for cutting-edge safety features in vehicles.
The research shows a striking reality: the anxiety caused by having to drive after dark is forcing significant lifestyle changes across Spain. A staggering 56% of Spanish drivers admit to altering their evening plans at least once a month because of the darkness. This is not the only shocking statistic; more than a quarter (27%) admit to making up excuses to hide their discomfort with driving in the dark. The consequences of this are tangible costs: 1 in 5 Spanish drivers spend more than €100 a year on public transport or taxis just to avoid getting behind the wheel at night.
‘The results are clear: drivers are not only nervous, but they are actively sacrificing their social lives and incurring additional costs to avoid difficult night-time journeys,’ says Jesús Alonso, president and CEO of Ford Spain. “At Ford, we understand that true freedom when driving means confidence in any situation. That’s why we are pioneers in smart lighting technologies and advanced driver assistance systems, designed not only to illuminate the road, but to eliminate anxiety. It’s more than just light; it’s peace of mind.”
This need for confidence is clear: almost 7 out of 10 (69%) Spaniards say that advanced safety is a crucial factor in their purchasing decision. In addition, 45% of drivers say that their sense of mental well-being and stress reduction would improve significantly with more advanced lighting technology.
Winter challenges and lack of preparation
Winter brings with it dangers that drivers do not usually face on a daily basis. Fifty per cent of Spaniards identify fog as one of their biggest concerns, and 67 per cent admit that glare from other vehicles forces them to brake or look away frequently. Despite these fears, 1 in 6 drivers (17%) admit that they do not carry out any winter preparations on their car. Likewise, 23% admit to feeling a worrying lack of control over their vehicle in dark conditions.
Ford technology: the answer to night-time anxiety
One of Ford’s goals is to empower drivers with the most effective and foolproof safety technology. The company offers a sophisticated range of lighting solutions that directly address these concerns:
- System of Adaptive Front Lighting and Pixel LED Headlights: available on several models, they actively adjust the pattern and intensity of the light beam based on speed, steering wheel turn and even GPS data, illuminating curves and hazards before the driver turns.
- Technology for glare-free high beams: available on models such as the Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga, the new 100% electric Explorer, Capri and Mustang Mach-E (equipped with Matrix LED headlights). This technology allows high beams to remain on without dazzling oncoming traffic, directly addressing one of the biggest concerns in Spain.
- Predictive Dynamic Cornering Light and Signal-Based Light: These proactively illuminate upcoming bends and read traffic signs to ensure safety even on the most challenging rural roads (where 58% of Spaniards admit to having difficulties).
Solutions for electric vehicles in winter
The research also highlights that two out of five Spanish drivers (40%) are concerned about the impact of cold weather on the battery range of electric vehicles. Ford mitigates this concern in models such as the 100% electric Explorer and Mustang Mach-E thanks to:
- Heat pump technology: a highly efficient climate control system that captures residual heat from the vehicle’s components to raise the temperature of the passenger compartment, using significantly less battery power and preserving range.
- Preconditioning systems: these maintain the optimum temperature of the battery and interior while the car is plugged in, optimising performance and facilitating faster charging.
About FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines its existing strengths, new capabilities and enduring customer relationships to enrich customer experiences and deepen customer loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative and essential trucks, commercial vehicles, sports cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. The company does this through three customer-focused business segments: Ford Blue, which designs iconic hybrid and petrol vehicles; Ford Model e, which creates breakthrough electric vehicles alongside integrated software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, which helps businesses transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. In addition,
Ford pursues mobility solutions through Ford Next and offers financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs approximately 171,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
Source: FORD SPAIN Communications Department