Struggling to Drive at Night? These Tips Can Help You See Better

Struggling to Drive at Night? These Tips Can Help You See Better Winter delivers longer nights. If you're worried about driving through the darkness, these tips can help keep you and other drivers safe. Michelle Honeyager 4 min read Make sure you and your vehicle are prepared to drive out into the night. Douglas Sacha/Getty Images Winter has arrived, delivering longer nights. Whether you're dropping the kids off at school in the morning or running errands after you get off work, chances are you'll be driving in the dark. While driving in darkness can be done safely, it comes with its own hazards, such as decreased visibility and glare from headlights of other cars, making it more dangerous overall. This is especially true if you have an eye condition or wear glasses. Before heading out for a nighttime drive, there are safety tips you should follow to decrease your risk of accidents, to protect not just yourself and your passengers, but also your fellow drivers out on the road. A dirty windshield can make it difficult for you to see when driving, especially at night. Javier Zayas/Getty Images 10 tips for safer driving in the dark Here are a few simple ways to reduce vision problems when driving after dark. 1. Keep your windshield clean Glare can increase when your windshield is dirty, as dirt disperses light. Certain treatments, like rain repellent, can also increase glare on your windshield at night. Keep your windshield as clear as possible to minimize glare and enhance visibility. AAA says a dirty windshield can also obstruct your field of vision, and it recommends cleaning your windshield at least once a week. 2. Keep your headlights clean You can help increase visibility by ensuring your headlights are free from dirt and debris. Checking for clean headlights is especially important if you live in a dusty region or frequently drive in areas where hitting bugs is common. 3. Use high beams when needed Be sure to use your high beams on rural roads near forests or fields and, as the National Safety Council recommends, on longer or wider stretches of road. High beams can help you see deer in these instances, but avoid using high beams in rain or fog, as they can reduce visibility. Turn off high beams when going up hills or around bends to avoid shining high beams in other drivers' eyes. 4. Avoid looking at headlights It may be instinctive to look directly at a flash of oncoming headlights coming over the hill or around a corner, but practice averting your gaze. Looking into bright headlights can temporarily impair your vision and may also leave afterimages, making it harder to see once the vehicle has passed. 5. Check headlight alignment The Mayo Clinic recommends working with your mechanic to ensure headlights are correctly aimed. Wear and tear on your car can cause misalignment, and some cars are manufactured with misaligned headlights. US laws don't require manufacturers to test alignment after the headlights...

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