When the sun goes down, we all must work a little bit harder to see in the dim light and being able to see clearly when we are driving is crucial for our safety and the safety of our loved ones who are riding with us.
You can enhance your night driving visibility by maintaining your vehicle, paying attention to your eye care, and adjusting your driving habits.
Vehicle Maintenance:
- Clean your windshield, headlights, and mirrors.
Reduce glare and improve your visibility by keeping your windshield clean. And clean headlights will light your way as brightly as possible.
- Get your headlights pointed in the right direction.
If your headlights don’t seem to put the light where you need it get them checked for alignment.
- Make your headlights as good as new.
Many cars have plastic lens covers that become cloudy and/or yellowed with age. If this describes your headlights rub them gently with a 2:1 paste mixture of baking soda and water and then neutralize the baking soda paste with white vinegar. Or you can buy a headlight restoration kit at an auto parts store or from Amazon.
- Show your windshield wipers a little love.
Worn out or dirty windshield wipers will leave streaks that reflect the glare from streetlights and the headlights of other cars. Clean them regularly with a quick swipe with a rag or paper towel and replace them when they wear out. Replacement wipers don’t cost much.
- Dim your interior lights.
Dimming or turning off unnecessary dashboard and cabin lights will reduce the glare on your windshield.
Eye Care:
- Get regular eye exams.
Eye issues can affect your night vision, so getting regular eye exams is a good idea. Discuss any night vision limitations you may have with your eye doctor.
- Get an anti-reflective coating for your glasses.
These coatings can reduce glare and improve contrast, making it easier to see at night.
- Don’t wear sunglasses or colored lenses at night.
The admonition about not wearing sunglasses at night may be obvious, but some companies tout yellow tinted glasses for night driving. However, many eye doctors warn against wearing these. They say they actually can make it harder to see at night.
- Blink regularly.
This helps keep your eyes moist and clear, reducing the potential for blurriness.
- Use lubricating eye drops:
If your eyes feel dry, lubricating eye drops will help maintain moisture.
Driving Habits:
- When you are facing oncoming headlights, don’t look directly at them.
Instead, focus on the lane markings or look to the right side of the road.
- Take breaks.
If you're feeling tired, take a break to rest and stay alert.
- Be aware of your environment.
Whenever you drive day or night there are potential hazards, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and animals, so keep an eye out for them.
- Use your lights correctly.
Use low beams in well-lit areas and switch to high beams on dark roads unless there is oncoming traffic.
- Use your fog lights when necessary.
Fog lights can help improve visibility in foggy or rainy conditions.
- Plan your route.
Familiarize yourself with the route before you drive, especially at night.
- Slow down.
Reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react to hazards and unexpected events.
