Don't Be Blinded by Bright Lights

RIGHT lights from oncoming vehicles can cause many people distress. With more and more vehicles now sporting fog lamps and other auxiliary lights, the problem can only get worse. However, with the right strategies, right driving techniques, and the right equipment you can deal with the glare bear.

Ideally, fog lamps cast a low, broad beam to reduce "back-scatter" from the vehicle’s headlights when water droplets hang in the air. They’re intended to improve a driver’s ability to see in foggy, misty, or hazy conditions. However, when aimed improperly or used on clear nights, they can annoy other drivers.

Then, of course, you have the high intensity discharge (HID) lights. HIDs not only emit twice the light of halogen headlamps, but also produce a blue-white light. Other headlights look yellow by comparison. Many motorists say they find the amount of light produced by HIDs and its blue-white quality blinding.

The increase in the number of four-wheel drive vehicles also presents a problem. Many of these larger vehicles ride higher than cars. As a result, their headlights ride higher, too. It’s no wonder that car drivers complain that the lights on big 4X4s shine directly in their eyes.

Headlights pointed as little as one degree too high can make a huge difference to drivers of oncoming vehicles.

Some Tips to Follow

Avert your eyes: When oncoming vehicles shine light directly into your eyes, look down and to the right. Turn your gaze to the white line on the right side of the road or to where the pavement meets the shoulder until the vehicle goes by.

Use the mirror’s "night" setting: Most cars have "day/night" interior mirrors to reduce reflected glare from vehicles directly behind. You can change the mirror to its "night" setting by flipping the small lever at the bottom of the mirror.

Use your lights courteously: If your car has fog lamps, don’t use them if there is no fog. In fog, use only your low-beam headlights. High beams reduce your own ability to see and may temporarily blind other drivers. Avoid using your high beams when you see oncoming vehicles or when you drive in urban areas.

Take frequent breaks: If you go on long trips at night, stop often to reduce fatigue and give your eyes a chance to recover. Take a short nap, or at least a brisk walk and some caffeine to help you stay alert.

Anti-reflective eyeglass coating: Many eye care specialists recommend glasses with an anti-reflective (AR) coating. This ultra-thin film reduces internal reflections in the lenses. Unlike sunglasses, which block some light, AR-coated glasses actually transmit more light. This improves vision at night.

Self-dimming mirrors: Many cars now offer self-dimming mirrors that reduce glare but allow you to maintain good rearward visibility. As the glare becomes brighter, the mirrors become darker.

Misaimed beams also don’t cast sufficient light on the road. Vehicles more than five years old are twice as likely to have lights that are not pointing correctly. Middle-aged and older drivers are more sensitive to glare because their eyes take longer to adjust to changing light levels. Complaints about glare are sure to rise as the population ages. Certain other conditions, such as having had vision-correction surgery that affects the corneas, can also increase sensitivity to glare.

You can help yourself beat the glare bear by taking the following steps:

  • Clean your headlights: When you have your windscreen cleaned at the petrol station, be sure to also clean your headlights. Even a thin layer of road grime on the headlight glass can severely restrict your ability to see at night. Clean lenses are even more important if you have HID headlights. Dirt diffuses the light from HIDs and causes glare that can temporarily blind other drivers. Garage owners can help by urging staff to not only clean the windscreens, but also the headlights.
  • Keep all glass clean: Streaks, smudges, and road grime on your windows catch and refract light. This includes the inside of your windshield. Chemicals from the plastic in your car’s interior slowly build up on the glass. Scratched spectacles or contact lenses also make glare worse. Also clean your wiper blades with a paper towel dipped in windshield washer fluid. Chips or cracks on the windshield should be repaired immediately.
  • Aim your headlights correctly: Take your vehicle to a properly equipped repair shop at least once a year for a headlight checkup. Your properly aligned headlights will not only help you see the road better, but will also help other drivers experience less glare.
  • Adjust both outside mirrors: Remember, properly aligned mirrors not only reduce blind spots, they also reduce glare from vehicles behind you. When vehicles pass you, the mirrors should not direct the brightest part of the headlights into your eyes. When your mirrors are angled correctly, blind spots are reduced. It becomes easier to see approaching vehicles on the side and rear.
  • Have your eyes checked: Everyone, irrespective of their age, should have their eyes checked regularly. But also bear in mind that age makes eyes more sensitive to glare, and that cataracts increase the problem.

 

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