Struggling With Early Sunset? Try These 9 Hacks for Driving Safer at Night
daylight saving time Exit the current year on November 3, and (love it or hate it) These days, the sun sets before 5 pm in most of the United States. This could mean that if you’re driving home from get off work, even at dusk, it’s dark – Dangerous driving times.
With an extra hour of darkness on our commutes, we need to adjust our habits to improve nighttime vision. Learn why driving in the dark can be dangerous, and check out nine tips for seeing better and driving safer after dark.
Why driving in the dark is more difficult
Simply put, it’s harder to see in low light. Other issues make the situation worse, such as headlight glare and interior cab lighting.
In the United States, newer vehicles Brighter headlightscausing more glare and afterimage. Technologies like LED light bulbs and laser emitters make driving on the road at night akin to a strobe attack.
Some drivers naturally have difficulty adapting to low light, e.g. elderly and any vision problems For example, myopia, astigmatism or glaucoma.
9 Tips for Safe Driving at Night
Fortunately, there are some simple ways to reduce vision problems while driving after dark.
Keep your windshield clean to reduce glare
When a windshield is dirty, glare increases because the dirt distracts the light. Certain treatments, such as rain repellents, can also increase glare on your windshield at night. Keep your windshield as clear as possible to reduce glare and improve visibility. AAA says A dirty windshield can also limit or obstruct your view, and it is recommended that you clean your windshield at least once a week.
Keep your headlights clean
this mayo clinic Say you can also help improve visibility by making sure your headlights are free of dust and debris. Checking that your headlights are clean is especially important if you live in a dusty area or an area where bugs are common.
Use high beam when necessary
Always use high beams on country roads near forests or fields, and National Security Council Recommended for use on longer or wider roads. High beams can help you see deer in these situations, but avoid using high beams in inclement weather such as rain or fog as it can reduce visibility. Turn off the high beam when going up a hill or turning to prevent the high beam from shining into the eyes of other drivers.
Don’t look directly at oncoming headlights
It may be instinctive to look directly at oncoming headlights coming from a hill or around a corner, but practice looking away. Looking directly into bright headlights can temporarily impair your vision and may also leave an afterimage that makes it harder to see after a vehicle passes by.
Checking headlight alignment during car inspection
this mayo clinic It is also recommended to work with your mechanic to ensure your headlights are properly aimed. Wear and tear on the car can cause misalignment, and some cars are manufactured with misaligned headlights. U.S. law does not require manufacturers to test alignment after installing headlights; According to NBC News. The result can be a devastating glare for other nighttime drivers, while also reducing your visibility.
Dim room lights
When driving at night, interior lights should always be turned off or dimmed. They make your eyes more accustomed to light, thus reducing your night vision (our eyes usually Takes a few minutes to adjust to darkness). If you turn on your interior lights to help you (or a passenger) see what’s inside, you may add to the existing distractions. Interior lights are also another source of light reflected from the windshield.
Keep your glasses clean
Just like dirt on your windshield, smudges on your glasses can distract light and increase glare problems. Make sure you clean your glasses properly using a glasses cloth, warm water, or mild dish soap without moisturizers. According to Heartland Optics. Wiping your glasses on your shirt can be a common practice, which can also bring in extra dirt and scratch the lenses, further blurring your vision.
Read more: https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online/ Best place to buy eyeglasses online
Wear appropriate glasses
Go ahead and make an appointment with your optometrist so your doctor can confirm you’re wearing the correct prescription. Also, you can check out Anti-reflective lenseswhich has a coating that reduces reflected light. Avoid eyeglass styles that impede peripheral vision.
Other options include night driving glassesusually with yellow lenses designed to reduce headlight glare. Always check with your doctor before use; some professionals think they can Make your night vision worse Rather than better.
Read more: Are you squinting now? It’s time to check your vision
Stay alert while driving
Even small changes in time can make us feel jet lag. Daylight saving time disrupts your circadian rhythm (the body clock that tells you when to go to bed and when to stay up late), According to Northwestern Medicineand fatigue can lead to blurred vision.
Adjust to the end of daylight saving time Can help you be more alert while driving. Check out our guide Recalibrate your internal alarm clock.
