Struggling With Early Sunsets? Try These 9 Hacks for Driving Safely at Night

Daylight saving time makes its exit for the year in Nov. 3, and (like it or hate it) the sun now sets before 5pm in most of the US these days. That can mean a dark ride home from work when you drive your car, even after dark — the most dangerous time to drive.

With an extra hour of darkness in our commute times, we need to adjust our habits to improve our ability to see at night. Learn why driving in the dark can be dangerous and check out nine tips to see better and drive safely after dark.

Why is it difficult to drive in the dark

Simply put, it’s hard to see in low light. Other problems make things worse, such as headlight and interior cab lighting.

In the US, new cars have bright headlights, which cause a lot of glare and background images. Technologies like LED lights and laser emitters make driving on the road at night like a strobe attack.

Some drivers naturally have a harder time adjusting to low light, such as the elderly and anyone with vision problems such as nearsightedness, astigmatism or glaucoma.

9 tips for safe driving at night

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to reduce vision problems when driving after dark.

Keep your windshield clean to reduce glare

Glare can increase when your windshield is dirty, as dirt scatters light. Certain treatments, such as rain repellants, can also increase the brightness of your windshield at night. Keep your windshield as clear as possible to reduce glare and aid visibility. AAA says a dirty windshield can also limit or block your field of vision, and recommends that you aim to clean your windshield at least once a week.

Keep your lights clean

The Mayo Clinic says you can also help increase visibility by making sure your headlights are free of dirt and debris. Checking for clean headlights is especially important if you live in a dusty or bug-infested area.

Use high beams if necessary

Be sure to use your high beams on country roads near forests or fields, and as the National Safety Council recommends, on long or wide roads. High beams can help you spot deer in these conditions, but avoid using high beams in inclement weather such as rain or fog, as they can reduce visibility. Close the high beams when going up hills or around bends to avoid the glare of the high beams in the eyes of other drivers.

Do not look directly at the oncoming headlights

It may be natural to look directly at the glare of headlights coming over a hill or corner, but practice avoiding your gaze. Looking at bright lights can temporarily affect your vision, and can also leave behind images, making it difficult to see when a car has passed.

Check the adjustment of the headlights during the vehicle inspection

The Mayo Clinic also recommends working with your mechanic to make sure the headlights are aligned correctly. Wear and tear on your car can cause misalignment, and some cars are built with misaligned headlights. US regulations do not require manufacturers to check alignment after the lights are installed, according to NBC News. The result can be harmful glare to other nighttime drivers, as well as reduced visibility.

Dim your indoor lights

Interior lights should always be off or dimmed when driving at night. They make your eyes adjust to the light, which can reduce your night vision (our eyes usually take a few minutes to adjust to the dark). If your interior lights are on to help you (or a passenger) see something inside your car, it may add to the distractions. The interior lights are also one source of light to reflect your windshield.

Keep your glasses clean

Like dirt on a windshield, dirt on your glasses can scatter light and add to glare problems. Be sure to clean your eyeglasses thoroughly, using a cloth made for eyeglasses, warm water or mild dish soap, according to Heartland Optical. Wiping your glasses on your shirt can be a common practice, it can also introduce more dirt and scratch lenses, obscuring vision.

Read more: Best Places to Buy Eyeglasses Online

Wear appropriate eye glasses

Keep up with those eye doctor appointments so your doctor can make sure you’re wearing the right prescription. Also, you can look for anti-reflective lenses, which have a coating that reduces glare. Avoid eyeglass styles that interfere with peripheral vision.

Other options include night driving glasses, which often have yellow lenses designed to reduce glare from headlights. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using them; some experts think they can make your night vision worse instead of better.

Read more: Are You Scoffing Now? It’s Time to Test Your Vision

Be careful while driving

Even a small time change can leave us feeling sleepy. Daylight saving time can throw off your circadian rhythm (that internal clock that tells you when to sleep and when to sit up), according to Northwestern Medicine, and fatigue can lead to blurred vision.

Adjusting to the end of daylight saving time can help you drive more carefully. Check out our guide to resetting your indoor alarm clock.