If you’re having trouble driving at night, it’s important to take steps to ensure both your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are some things you can do:
- Ensure Your Eyesight is Clear
- Get an eye exam: Poor vision is a common issue when driving at night. If you haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, schedule an appointment to ensure your vision is up to par.
- Wear corrective lenses if needed: Glasses or contacts prescribed for night driving can help. Consider lenses that reduce glare.
- Keep your windshield clean: A dirty windshield can amplify glare from headlights. Regularly clean both inside and outside the windshield.
- Use anti-glare glasses: These can help reduce the effects of headlights from oncoming vehicles, which can cause discomfort or vision problems at night.
- Improve Vehicle Lighting
- Use your headlights properly: Always use your headlights on low beam in well-lit areas, and switch to high beam when you’re on dark, empty roads (except when there are other cars around).
- Check your headlights: Ensure your headlights are properly aligned, clean, and functioning well. Misaligned headlights can cause reduced visibility or glare.
- Consider upgrading your headlights: If your vehicle has outdated halogen lights, you might benefit from upgrading to brighter LED or HID headlights.
- Drive Slowly and Cautiously
- Increase following distance: At night, your depth perception and peripheral vision are reduced, so give yourself more space between your car and others.
- Reduce speed: You may not be able to see obstacles, pedestrians, or animals as clearly at night. Slowing down allows you more time to react.
- Avoid sudden movements: Because night driving reduces your field of vision, sudden swerves or changes in direction could be dangerous.
- Use Night Driving Aids
- Use fog lights: If it’s foggy or there’s low visibility, fog lights can help. They illuminate the road closer to your vehicle and reduce glare.
- Adjust your mirror: Use the night setting on your rearview mirror to reduce glare from headlights behind you.
- Consider adaptive headlights: Some modern vehicles are equipped with adaptive headlights that automatically adjust the angle based on steering, improving visibility around curves.
- Take Breaks
- Avoid fatigue: Driving while tired can make it more difficult to stay alert at night. Take regular breaks to rest, especially on long trips.
- Share the driving: If you’re traveling with someone else, consider swapping driving duties to avoid getting too tired.
- Consider Avoiding Night Driving if Necessary
- Use alternative transportation: If you feel unsafe driving at night, consider using public transport, rideshare services, or asking someone else to drive.
- Drive only when necessary: If night driving consistently causes you trouble, try to schedule trips during daylight hours when visibility is better.
If your trouble with night driving continues despite these efforts, it may be wise to consult a driving instructor or medical professional for further advice.