Can you give me advice for driving safely at night?
Seeing Clearly: Your Guide to Safer Night Driving
As the evenings draw in and darkness falls earlier, many of us find ourselves driving home in the dark more often. If you've noticed that night driving feels more challenging, you're not alone. Research shows that 65% of drivers struggle to see clearly when driving after dark.
Why Do Our Eyes Struggle at Night?
Our eyes simply work differently in low light. When darkness falls, your pupils dilate and you rely more on light-sensitive cells called rods. While these detect light well, they're not as good at picking up detail and colour.
This means contrast becomes reduced, making it harder to spot road edges or pedestrians. Glare from headlights scatters more inside your eye, especially if you have early signs of cataracts. Your eyes also take longer to adjust after bright lights, and both depth perception and peripheral vision decline.
Your Vision Comes First
The most important step is ensuring your prescription is up to date. Even a minor change can significantly impact your night vision. Eye care experts recommend having an eye test at least every two years.
If you've been prescribed glasses for driving, wear them every time. Shockingly, nearly a quarter of drivers who've been advised to wear glasses when driving don't always do so.
The Right Lenses Make a Difference
Anti-reflective coatings are essential for night driving. These reduce light bouncing off your lenses, cutting down on distracting halos and reflections from headlights. Some advanced coatings are specifically designed for night driving, featuring anti-dazzle technology and blue light filtering.
Never wear photochromic (light-reactive) lenses or sunglasses at night, as they can dangerously reduce your vision.
Practical Steps for Safer Journeys
Keep your windscreen spotlessly clean, both inside and out. Even invisible smears can scatter light and increase glare at night.
When faced with oncoming headlights, look slightly to the left toward the kerb rather than directly at them. Use the anti-glare position on your rear-view mirror.
Don't ignore discomfort. If you're squinting or experiencing eye strain while driving at night, these could be signs of dry eye syndrome that your optician can help address.
Never underestimate fatigue. When you're tired, your reaction times slow and your eyes struggle even more with changing light conditions.
Take Action
If you're finding night driving more difficult, or if it's been more than two years since your last eye test, book an appointment with your optician. Good night vision starts with good eye care.