Tips for Safe Holiday Driving at Night and in Low Light
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us will be hitting the road to visit family and friends. Whether it’s an evening drive across town or a longer nighttime road trip, driving in low light and darkness presents unique challenges. Reduced visibility, glare from oncoming headlights, and eye strain from focusing on the road can make night driving a tiring experience. Here are some tips to keep your eyes comfortable and improve your safety while driving at night during this holiday season.
1. Use Anti-Reflective Lenses to Reduce Glare
- Glare from headlights and streetlights is one of the biggest obstacles for nighttime drivers. Anti-reflective (AR) coatings on your prescription glasses can help minimize this glare, enhancing visibility and reducing the strain on your eyes. Polarized lenses are also beneficial for cutting down glare and improving contrast. If you wear glasses, consider adding an AR coating to your lenses, as it’s one of the simplest ways to improve nighttime driving comfort and clarity.
2. Keep Your Windshield and Headlights Clean
- Road grime, dust, and dirt on your windshield can scatter light and make glare even worse. Dirty headlights also reduce your field of vision and make it harder for other drivers to see you. Before you start your Thanksgiving drive, clean your windshield (inside and out) and check that your headlights are clean and in good working condition. Clear visibility is essential for safe driving, especially in dark or foggy conditions.
3. Adjust Your Car’s Interior Lighting
- Bright dashboard lights can be distracting and create additional reflections on your windshield. Dim your car’s interior lights to reduce unnecessary glare and make it easier to focus on the road ahead. This adjustment can be especially helpful for longer drives, where prolonged exposure to bright interior lighting can strain your eyes and impact visibility.
4. Stay Hydrated to Combat Dry Eyes
- Car heaters can dry out the air inside your vehicle, which can lead to dry eyes—a common discomfort during fall and winter. Staying hydrated helps maintain your body’s natural moisture levels, which in turn keeps your eyes more comfortable. Consider using lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness, especially if you’re prone to dry eyes. Keeping your eyes moist can improve comfort and reduce the risk of blurry vision on long drives.
5. Plan to Take Regular Breaks
- Long periods of night driving can lead to eye fatigue, as your eyes have to work harder in low light. Plan to take breaks every hour or two, stepping out of the car to stretch and give your eyes a rest. Use this time to refocus on distant objects to relax the eye muscles. Not only will this help you stay alert, but it will also reduce eye strain and make driving more comfortable over extended periods.
6. Use Proper Lighting in Foggy or Misty Conditions
- Fog is a frequent occurrence in and around Portland during late fall, which can make driving even more challenging. When driving in foggy conditions, use your low-beam headlights or fog lights if your vehicle has them, as high beams can reflect off the fog and reduce visibility. Keep your lights at the correct settings to maximize your ability to see and be seen on the road.
7. Have Regular Eye Exams for Optimal Vision
- If you notice difficulty seeing at night, it may be time to get your eyes checked. Night driving often reveals issues like astigmatism or nearsightedness, as these conditions can become more noticeable in low light. Regular eye exams are essential to ensure your prescription is up-to-date and to check for any underlying issues that could impair your vision at night. Schedule a visit with Eyes on Broadway to stay proactive about your eye health, especially as we head into the winter months.
Driving safely in low light and nighttime conditions requires a combination of preparation, good eye care practices, and regular maintenance. With these tips, you can enjoy a safe, comfortable Thanksgiving drive, wherever the holiday season takes you!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article! To delve deeper, we invite you to browse our extensive collection of frames. Additionally, you're welcome to explore our comprehensive list of services, and should you require an eye exam, feel free to schedule an appointment with us.