Driving at night may not be your favourite activity. Between headlight glare and low light levels, you may feel less comfortable behind the wheel. Fortunately, some simple adjustments can transform your nighttime driving experience into a safer, more comfortable ride. In this article discover the 7 essential tips to improve your vision and stay in control of the road, even after the sun goes down! Want to find out more?
What you'll learn in this article:
Our 7 tips for improving your vision
To drive safely at night, it's not enough to keep your eyes open: you also need to adopt the right reflexes. Here are 7 practical tips to maximize your vision and drive with confidence, even in the dark.
1. Regular visits to the optometrist
How often you need to see an optometrist depends on your age and eye health, but one thing is certain: regular eye examinations are important for everyone. In general, a check-up every two years is recommended, or more often depending on your optometrist's advice. These exams allow optometrists to detect disorders such as myopia or astigmatism and take action in time. Find out how often you should have your eyes checked.
2. Proper vision correction
Once your vision has been properly assessed, make sure that your night-driving glasses are suitable for your correction. An accurate prescription can make all the difference, especially on poorly lit roads. Well-fitting glasses not only improve your vision, but also reduce eye fatigue for a safer, more comfortable drive.
3. Avoid glare with anti-reflective treatments
Lenses with anti-reflective technology significantly reduce glare caused by the headlights of other cars. Good news: all our lenses come with this treatment, as well as scratch resistance! They also improve contrast and visual clarity. Discover the benefits of lens treatments.
4. Car headlight and windshield maintenance
Clean, well-aligned headlights ensure optimum lighting. Clean them regularly and check their alignment to avoid obstructing other drivers and improve your visibility. Keep your windshield clean, too, with no scratches or chips. Finely scratched windshields tend to create light beams and glare.
5. Reduce distractions
Concentrate on the road. Limit distractions such as bright screens and animated conversations to stay fully attentive. Note that with new technologies, it's important to calibrate the lighting on our screens in our cars to reduce glare.
6. Get enough rest
Fatigue directly affects your concentration and reflexes. Get enough sleep before hitting the road, and take breaks if you need to. Knowing that between 2018 and 2022, fatigue at the wheel was involved in 24% of serious road accidents, don't overlook its importance.
7. Take extra care
Adapt your speed according to visibility and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. In the city, maintain at least 4 seconds of separation, 6 seconds or more on a fast road and 8 to 10 seconds if the road is slippery. To assess this, choose a benchmark and count the seconds until you reach it. If you're going too fast, slow down. Good visibility and sufficient space can save you a lot of trouble on the road.
Factors that can affect vision
1. Low light levels
At night, the eye has to work harder to capture light and distinguish contrasts, making it harder to detect obstacles, road signs and pedestrians. Glasses suitable for night driving, with anti-reflective coating and an up-to-date prescription, can improve contrast, reduce eyestrain and help your eyes adjust to light variations.
2. Glare
Headlights from other vehicles can cause annoying glare, especially on two-way roads. To reduce discomfort, adjust your mirrors to avoid direct glare. On very dark, unlit roads, a good trick is to look slightly down and follow the lines of the road rather than staring straight ahead. This allows your eyes to adapt better to light variations without being blinded.
3. Vision problems
Visual problems such as nocturnal myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia complicate focus when the pupil dilates in the dark. The result? Less sharp vision, and the frequent need for glasses specially designed for your nighttime driving needs. Dry eyes are also a major issue: fewer blinks, aggressive ventilation, and you'll find that the layer of tears evaporates too quickly, scattering light and creating annoying halos. If you suffer from dry eyes: apply moisturizing drops before setting off, and adjust ventilation to avoid direct air on the eyes.
4. Fatigue
A tired mind reacts more slowly. This reduces the ability to perceive potential dangers. A good night's sleep is your best co-pilot.
5. Weather conditions
Rain, fog or snow severely impair visibility, making driving more dangerous. Drive carefully, and use fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them.
6. Age
As we age, our eyes adapt less well to the dark, and conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma can further complicate matters. Regular eye care can help compensate for this natural loss. We're not getting any younger, but your glasses can refresh your vision!
The importance of seeking advice at New Look
Do you have questions about night vision? Our consultants are here to help. Book an appointment online or visit one of our stores for a personalized service. Book an appointment today.
