As daylight saving time ends, there’s a notable increase in nighttime driving and associated risks, such as a 16% rise in deer-related collisions and a historical uptick in fatal car crashes. Night driving is inherently more challenging due to reduced visibility, headlight glare, and difficulties with low light adjustment, particularly for those with vision impairments.
To enhance safety when driving after dark, several tips are recommended. Keeping windshields and headlights clean is crucial to reduce glare and ensure maximum visibility. High beams should be used judiciously on rural roads to spot wildlife, but never in bad weather or when they might blind other drivers. It’s also advised to avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights to prevent temporary blindness and afterimages.
Regular headlight alignment checks during car inspections can prevent glare for others and improve your own visibility. Interior lights should be dimmed to aid night vision and reduce distractions, while eyeglasses should be kept clean and updated with the correct prescription, considering anti-reflective lenses or specialized night driving glasses after consulting an optometrist. Lastly, staying alert is vital, as even minor changes to sleep patterns from daylight saving time can affect vision and alertness on the road.
Key Takeaways:
- Switching from daylight saving time leads to an increase in driving collisions with deer and potentially more fatal car crashes due to reduced visibility.
- Brighter headlights on modern vehicles and various vision impairments can make nighttime driving more hazardous.
- To enhance safety when driving at night, it’s recommended to keep windshields and headlights clean, use high beams judiciously, and ensure proper headlight alignment.
“Glare can get even worse when your windshield is dirty because the dirt disperses light. Certain treatments, like rain repellent, can also increase glare on your windshield at night. Keep your windshield as clear as possible to reduce glare and help visibility.”
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