What Strategies Can Help Someone Who Struggles with Driving at Night Due to Bright Lights from Oncoming Traffic?

To mitigate the struggle of driving at night due to bright lights from oncoming traffic, utilize anti-glare glasses, adjust your dashboard’s brightness, maintain a clean windshield, and shift your gaze slightly to the right of oncoming lights to use lane markings as a guide.

 

 Additionally, ensure your vehicle’s headlights are properly aligned and consider upgrading them for better night vision.

 

Driving at night can be a challenging experience, especially when faced with the glare of oncoming vehicles. This can be not only uncomfortable but also dangerous, reducing a driver’s ability to see clearly and react to road conditions. 

 

Last winter, driving through the winding roads of the Blue Mountains, I was constantly blinded by the glare from oncoming headlights. It was not only uncomfortable but made me feel unsafe. By implementing the strategies mentioned below, I was able to significantly improve my night driving experience.

Understanding the Impact of Headlight Glare

If you find yourself squinting or feeling stressed while driving at night due to bright lights, here are some practical strategies that can help alleviate this common issue.

A recent survey as per driving

 

 

 

revealed that 85% of drivers believe the issue of bright headlights is worsening, with 91% of drivers reporting they have been dazzled by headlights in the past 12 months. 

 

Such dazzling can lead to temporary blindness, with 75% of respondents frequently experiencing this effect, and 68% taking between 1 to 5 seconds to regain full vision—time during which a vehicle traveling at 60 mph could cover up to 160 meters (about 40 car lengths) without the driver having adequate visibility. 

 

This lack of visibility is believed by over three out of five drivers to contribute to collisions, highlighting the severe safety implications of headlight glare.

 

A study by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) highlights that improper headlight alignment is a major cause of glare, recommending regular checks and adjustments.

 

According to the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA), anti-glare coatings on glasses can reduce night driving accidents by up to 30%.

 

Adjust Your Vehicle Settings

Firstly, ensure your dashboard brightness is adjusted correctly. Dimming your dashboard lights can significantly reduce glare and improve your forward visibility. This small adjustment helps your eyes better adapt to the darker roads.

Use Anti-Glare Glasses

 

Investing in a good pair of anti-glare glasses can be a game changer for night-time drivers. These glasses have special coatings on the lenses that reduce glare and enhance contrast, making it easier to see despite the harsh lights from oncoming traffic.

 

I started using them after a friend’s recommendation and noticed an immediate improvement in my comfort levels while driving at night.

 

Maintain a Clean Windshield

A dirty windshield can exacerbate light glare. Regularly cleaning both the inside and outside of your windshield can remove streaks and smudges that blur your vision. 

 

Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth for the best results, and consider applying a water-repellent treatment that can help keep your windshield clear in adverse weather conditions.

 

I’ve found that using a glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth provides the best results. Additionally, applying a water-repellent treatment before a long drive in rainy conditions has made a significant difference in maintaining clear visibility.

Adjust Your Gaze

When bright lights are coming towards you, avoid looking directly at them. Instead, shift your focus slightly to the right side of the road, using the painted edge lines or lane markings as a guide. This technique helps you stay on course without being blinded by high beams.

 

This technique was recommended by my driving instructor and has helped me stay on course during night driving without being blinded by oncoming headlights

Properly Align Your Headlights

Misaligned headlights not only reduce your visibility but can also blind other drivers. Check that your headlights are correctly aligned and aimed so they illuminate the road ahead without glaring into oncoming traffic. 

 

This can usually be done at your local garage or during routine vehicle servicing.

Increase Following Distances

At night, increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This strategy gives you more time to react to sudden stops or hazards, especially when your vision is compromised by glare.

 

I’ve noticed that by keeping a greater distance, I feel more relaxed and better able to anticipate potential hazards on the road.

Use Your Sun Visor

Your sun visor can be used at night to block out glare from high vehicles like trucks and buses. Flipping it down momentarily as a vehicle passes can shield your eyes from the worst of the light.

Take Regular Breaks

Night driving, especially on long trips, can strain your eyes. Taking regular breaks during your journey allows your eyes to rest and reduces the overall strain. Use these stops to stretch your legs and refresh yourself, making the driving experience safer and more comfortable.

Upgrade Your Headlight Bulbs

If your car is older, consider upgrading to newer headlight bulbs that offer clearer and more focused light. Modern bulbs can provide better road illumination without increasing glare, making it easier for you to see and for others to see you.

 

According to automotive experts at RACQ, upgrading to LED or HID bulbs can significantly enhance road visibility while reducing glare for oncoming traffic.

 

Consider Tinting Your Windows

Window tinting within legal limits can significantly reduce the amount of light that enters your vehicle. This can help diminish the glare from oncoming cars at night. Check local regulations to ensure compliance before you decide to tint your windows.

Stay Alert and Adapt

Always be aware of your surroundings and ready to adapt to changing conditions. If you’re feeling particularly strained by the lights, reduce your speed and allow more time for your journey. Safety should always be your top priority.

 

By employing these strategies, you can improve your night driving experience, making it less stressful and more secure. Remember, each of these tips not only helps you combat glare but also enhances your overall driving skills in low-light conditions. 

 

So, next time you head out after dark, consider these adjustments and see the difference they make in your night driving adventures.

FAQs

What specific driving challenges might one face in Australia at night, and how can they be addressed?

Driving at night in Australia presents unique challenges such as encountering wildlife on the road, limited visibility, and fatigue. To address these, ensure your headlights and windshield are clean for optimal visibility, stay alert, and take regular breaks to combat fatigue. Slow down and use high beams judiciously to spot animals and other hazards in time.

How safe is Australia for night-time activities, including driving?

Australia is generally safe for night-time activities, including driving. However, caution is advised, especially in rural or poorly lit areas where wildlife crossings are common. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, stick to well-traveled routes, and always be aware of your surroundings to enhance safety.

What are the typical hours that constitute “night time driving”?

“Night time driving” typically refers to the hours between sunset and sunrise. These hours can vary significantly depending on the location and time of year. For most regions, this will generally fall between 6 PM and 6 AM.

When is it appropriate to use high beam headlights while driving at night with no other traffic around?

It is appropriate to use high beam headlights when driving in areas with no street lighting and no other traffic is visible. High beams help increase visibility, especially on rural or unlit roads, allowing you to see further ahead. Remember to switch back to low beams when you see oncoming traffic to avoid blinding other drivers.