Possibly, you might find yourself in a bit of a challenging situation especially when you are driving at night and you are caught with a sudden glare from headlamps, which might leave you totally blind for seconds. This is often termed as night blindness and could be catastrophic on the road if not handled properly. This occurs when your eyes after being tuned to minimal light are suddenly exposed to very bright light. Obviously, your pupils would contract rapidly to the bright light but might take quite a while before it re-dilates.

The result of such could be temporary blindness. This is not the kind of experience you should have while driving as it could result in fatal accident or collision. Do not panic yet, there are ways you can reduce night blindness here on Naijacarnews.

1. Pick spectacles of the thin side frame

If it is mandatory you use spectacles while driving, you should go for the ones that have thin side frames. Going for a wider frame might lead to obstruction in your peripheral vision. If possible, you could get your peripheral vision checked by an eye specialist.

2. Drive within range of headlights

 Always drive within the confine of the headlights on your car. Do not act rashly behind the steering wheel, looking beyond the limit of the headlight. This is very applicable during night driving. Since your headlights might only range between 60-90m, it is advisable for your safety, you should drive slowly.

3. Drive in slower lanes

To avoid getting blinded by oncoming traffic’s light; you need to drive in the slow lane.  You might be too exposed to bright light from oncoming vehicles, making it worse for you on the road. When you are in this situation, you should move to the slower lanes.

If possible, avoiding speeding at all cost during night driving

4. Drive with the clean windscreen

Before you hit the road, you need to take a look at your windscreen for better vision. Make sure you clean it properly before driving.

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5. Level the Headlight accordingly

You need to use the button for leveling the headlamp for your safety and other road users during night driving.  You can easily modify this in some cars. Night driving with bright lighting could be a bit distracting to other motorists.

6. Boost light condition for aged drivers

Despite the issues with driving and avoiding bright lights during night driving, it is important for you to know that older people need more light to see due to the yellowish condition of their eyes’ lenses when they get old. The moment you reach 40 years of age, you might start observing it. So, when you hit 60, you are already demanding for more light to see clearly at night.

Driving at night requires your utmost concentration. Avoid sudden glare at high beam light!

As an older person, you need to drive slower if truly it is important for you to drive at night while if you're s a young driver, reduce the intake of excess alcohol and bad diets, as they could cause premature eyes yellowness.

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7. Consider Dietary

In case you are suffering from a possible night vision problem, you should refrain from consuming too much alcohol, smoking, and taking too much-refined carbohydrate, sugar and hydrogenated oil. You should stick to green vegetables which include collards and spinach, rich in zeaxanthin and lutein. You can also add liver, fish oil, and dairy products to your diet in remedying the deficiency of vitamin A.

Poor vision when driving at night, possible causes - A State of Sight #119

8. If possible, avoid night driving

It is good to understand oneself to be safe on the road. If you know you cannot cope with night driving, you should postpone it till the next morning. If it is absolutely necessary, you should try and take a cab or get someone with better night vision to drive you around.

9. Stop staring into the glare

You should stop staring directly at the light source to avoid being blinded. You make up for lost side vision during night driving by turning your head from one side to another side.  You should keep your eyes focused on other important objects on the road. And by doing that you're trying to reduce night blindness while driving at night!

>>> Always visit Naijacarnews for best car care tips and safe driving techniques