I am not put off from going out at night in the winter, I think it is important for me to have a good, varied social life as I recently retired and live on my own after a divorce many years ago. I think I would become a hermit if I did not continue with my activities all year round.
So I am very involved with my WI (currently President!) which is a 15 minute drive away and attend various meetings several times a month, twice monthly meetings with the National Women's Register, two book clubs which meet monthly and go out with an Internet social group "Meetup" at least once a week for a meal. Add these outings to family visits, I can be out every night of the week but then things go quiet and I find myself at home for a few nights. Then my crochet charity work comes out, I catch up on TV programmes, read a few books before getting bored and wanting to go out!
But I do not mind driving at night, live in a safe, quiet neighbourhood so feel safe when I get home in the dark and am fiercely independent!