Can't See Well? Follow These Tips For Safer Nighttime Driving
Posted on: 16 March 2015
If you have trouble with your vision, you might have a hard time seeing when you drive at night. This can be a very frightening problem, but there are things that you can do. If you follow these tips, you're sure to feel more comfortable, confident and safe when you're on the road after the sun goes down.
Make Sure Your Prescription is Up-to-Date
First and foremost, make sure that your glasses or contact prescription is up-to-date. Schedule regular appointments with your optometrist, and purchase new lenses when he or she recommends it. The general guideline is to have an eye exam every two years until you turn 61; then, you should have an eye exam annually. This is a good guideline to start with, but your optometrist can give you more information about how frequently you should come in and have your eyes checked.
Cut Down on Glare
Glare from other drivers' headlights and streetlights can pose a major vision issue when you're driving at night. Therefore, it's important to reduce glare as much as possible. If you wear glasses, ask your optometrist to apply an anti-glare coating to your glasses to make it easier for you to see.
Keep Your Eyes Properly Hydrated
Many people -- particularly those who have eye conditions or who wear contacts -- suffer from dry eyes, which can make it even harder for you to see well when driving. Keep lubricating eye drops on hand at all times, and apply them if you find that your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable when you're behind the wheel. If you suffer from dry eyes on more than an occasional basis, it's important to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional to ensure that there aren't any underlying problems.
Clean Your Windshield Frequently
Seeing at night can be hard enough, but it can be even harder if your windshield is dirty. Bright headlights can shine on your dirty windshield and make it impossible to see, so make sure that you clean your windshield regularly with glass cleaner and a paper towel or microfiber cloth. Also, check your windshield wiper fluid levels regularly so that you can use it as needed.
Slow it Down
If you don't feel comfortable driving at night, make sure that you slow down. Reducing your speed by just a few miles an hour can make it easier for you to stop if a person, vehicle or animal gets in front of you.
When you have trouble with seeing at night, driving can be dangerous. Luckily, following these tips can help. If you still feel uncomfortable about driving when it's dark out, consider talking to an optometrist (Langley Optometry Clinic), or when possible, have someone else drive for you after the sun goes down.
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