The daylight hours are dwindling and with it, the nation’s sight is fighting to stay sharp on the road. Difficulty driving in darkness is not uncommon, there are many eye conditions that can affect how we process light and movement when we don’t have the assistance of natural light. Here are our top tips for improving vision and staying safe on the road at night:
UV protection all year long
Sunglasses aren’t just for Summer! They’re your eyesight’s best friend all year round. Yes, even during a UK Winter. Wearing sunglasses means reduced exposure to UV rays, which in turn gently improves your vision later at night. It’s a great habit that can have an important impact on your eye health throughout life.
Exercise your eyes Tired eyes? Try scanning the road and your surroundings instead of staring straight ahead the whole time. This simple habit keeps your eyes moving and reduces strain, helping you stay alert and focused.
Properly aim and maintain your front lights
Are your headlights aimed properly? Misaligned beams can leave you struggling to see or even dazzle other drivers. Use your car’s manual to adjust them correctly. While you’re at it, clean off dirt and grime that could be dimming their brightness and consider upgrading older bulbs for better illumination.
Keep your windscreen clean
Smudges on your windscreen or mirrors might not seem like a big deal, until they cause glare and haloes around lights. Avoid wiping these surfaces with your hands, as skin oils only make things worse. A microfibre cloth is perfect for the job.
Dim the lights on your dashboard display
In motorsport, endurance racers often cover their dashboards with black felt to stop reflections from the display lights. Whilst that's an extreme measure for day to day driving it provides a lesson about the impact your dashboard display lights have on your eyes whilst driving at night. If it's possible to dim the lights on your dashboard it's a worthwhile measure to take. The same goes for your sat nav, many now have a night mode and you should switch this on when driving in the dark.
Avoid looking at oncoming headlights
This may sound obvious, but it's important to remember. When oncoming traffic approaches, it's best to keep your gaze straight ahead, trying to avoid looking directly at the headlights. Staring at bright lights temporarily affects your vision in the dark and as we get older it becomes progressively more difficult to adjust from bright to dim light.
Have an eye test
Regular eye tests are a sensible step to take and just like a visit to the dentist or a check-up with your GP, an eye test should be part of your regular health checks. Book an appointment today.
Safety starts with you
Driving in the darker nights doesn’t have to be daunting. With thoughtful preparation and simple habits, you can make night-time driving safer and more comfortable. From protecting your eyes with year-round UV protection to maintaining your headlights and keeping your windshield clean, each small step contributes to better visibility and confidence on the road. Don’t overlook the importance of regular eye tests to ensure your vision is at its best; after all, clear sight is key to staying safe behind the wheel.
By following these tips, you can tackle the challenges of night driving with clarity and peace of mind.
Book an eye test