How to Improve Night Vision for Driving

Night vision describes the natural adjustment in visual acuity that occurs during evening conditions. For all motor vehicle operators, unobstructed night vision is essential to night-time vehicle safety. Drivers such as long haul truck drivers, chauffeurs, and parents with children must be extra careful while employing proper techniques to avoid poor vision adjustment, gazing and other hazardous occurrences. In addition, proper vehicle preparation, along with safe driving techniques, promotes overall safety. All drivers can facilitate good night vision by practicing several useful techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-glare vehicle mirrors

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Instructions

• 1

  Allow your eyes to adjust to the darker conditions. Generally, normal human vision adjusts to darker conditions within 20-30 minutes of entering the environment. To promote night vision, allow time for the eyes to adjust. Avoid turning on the vehicle interior lights or returning to a fully-lighted environment immediately after entering the dark. In addition, do not attempt to operate the vehicle for long distances during the adjustment period.

• 2

  Clean windows and mirrors. Clean all windows and mirrors prior to operating the motor vehicle. Remove debris and obstructions that may hinder normal visually acuity or response time. Adjust mirrors while ensuring that the driver's seat position provides comfort and proper alignment with the front windshield.

• 3

  Avoid smoking. Tobacco use can adversely affect the flow of oxygen in the body. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or tobacco-filled pipes prior to and during vehicle operation jeopardizes night vision use. To protect night vision and promote driving safety, avoid tobacco and nicotine products when operating a motor vehicle.

• 4

  Scan while driving. Avoid focusing the eyes on bright, single objects while driving. Frequently move your eyes back and forth to avoid a decrease in night vision. When using the scan technique, maintain a safe distance from vehicles or objects and make efficient use of side and rear-view mirrors.

• 5

  Avoid vehicle headlights. Oncoming headlights can immediately decrease night vision. Halogen lights or the use of bright lights by oncoming traffic forces the eyes to undergo an additional adjustment period. Avoid staring directly into headlights while maintaining good visual acuity on the road.