Driving at night (or in lower light) can be a difficult task for many drivers. Particularly for those with poor eyesight. The glare of headlights and reduced visibility means it is a much more dangerous time to be in control of a moving vehicle. Every driver should be taking any precautions necessary to ensure they are driving safely in all conditions. At night this is particularly important since you may be less likely to notice hazards, other drivers, and pedestrians. Here are some top tips from Essilor which could help contribute to improving your visibility while driving at night.
1. Avoid looking directly into the glare of headlights
The dazzling glare of oncoming headlights can impact your visibility, making driving even more difficult. When oncoming traffic is approaching you, the best thing you can do to avoid this harsh light is to keep your eyes focused on the road in front of you, keeping your gaze at the road markings or into the distance. Try your best to avoid looking directly into the oncoming headlights. This is useful for drivers of any age, but an important tip to follow as you age, since your eyes find it harder to adjust between bright and dim light.
2. Keep your windows and mirrors clear
No matter what time of day you are driving, you should be keeping your windows and mirrors clear at all times. At night, in particular, this could make a big difference in your visibility. At night a dirty windscreen is more likely to cause glare, which will reduce your visibility even more. You should be checking you have plenty of wiper fluid to keep your windscreen clean and clear at all times.
You should also be checking the bulbs in your headlights to guarantee they are still providing enough light to keep the road well-lit in front of you.
With minimised visibility you will likely squint to focus which can cause eye strain and subsequently headaches and sore eyes.
3. Avoid using lit devices within the vehicle
Bright lights are distracting at the best of times but when driving at night this becomes even more of a problem. Try to keep the amount of light from within the car to a minimum. If this means restricting your passenger’s mobile device usage, so you can concentrate, do so.
4. Schedule your routine eye examination
Most importantly, above all else, you should be booking a routine eye examination to ensure your eyes are healthy and your eyesight is good. If you notice your eyesight is deteriorating, making driving at night very difficult, you should speak with your optician. They may need to adjust your prescription or provide you with your first pair of glasses.
5. Ask your optician about lens coatings
For those who already wear glasses while driving, have you considered a lens coating? The right lens coating will reduce reflections on the road and glare while driving. A lens coating is ideal for those who struggle with night driving and want to feel both safe and confident behind the wheel. Offering additional benefits such as scratch resistance, water-repelling features, and UV protection, lens coatings are the perfect solution for enhanced clarity while driving. If you already wear lenses, it is possible to add a lens coating, simply speak with your local optician to discuss your options.