While driving at night, you should adjust your rearview mirror for night use and avoid using your phone for illumination. Always turn on your high beams only when necessary, and if you require prescription glasses, ensure you wear them.

Law · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020

Answered on

At night, your vision is limited, and the glare from headlights can further reduce your ability to see clearly. Here's how to follow the advice given for safe night driving:

1. Adjust Your Rearview Mirror for Night Use: Many cars have a night mode on the rearview mirror that reduces the glare from cars behind you. This can be activated by flipping a switch or tab at the bottom of the mirror. The mirror will adjust its angle slightly to diminish the reflection of the headlights behind you, allowing you to maintain a clear view without getting dazzled.

2. Avoid Using Your Phone for Illumination: The bright light from your phone can disrupt your night vision. When your eyes adjust to the darkness, they become more sensitive to light. If you look at your phone, your eyes will need to adjust again to the dark, which can take time and impair your vision temporarily, making it hazardous to drive.

3. Use High Beams Carefully: High beams should be used when driving in poorly lit areas where you cannot see the road ahead clearly. However, you must turn them off when you are near other vehicles to avoid blinding other drivers. Remember to switch back to your low beams when you're within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle at a close distance.

4. Wear Prescription Glasses if Required: If you have a prescription for glasses, make sure you wear them while driving. This will help you to see more clearly and avoid straining your eyes. If your glasses have an anti-reflective coating, they can also reduce glare from oncoming traffic and increase contrast, making it easier to drive at night.

Extra: Driving at night presents a different set of challenges compared to daytime driving. Visibility is a significant concern, as depth perception, ability to distinguish color, and peripheral vision are all compromised after sundown. Adjusting to the darkness after being in a well-lit area can take several minutes, and bright lights from oncoming traffic can disrupt this adaptation. Over-reliance on high beam headlights can also lead to dangerous situations if used improperly. It's crucial to ensure that your vehicle's windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and functioning properly to optimize visibility. Additionally, staying alert and reducing your speed can help you to react appropriately to unexpected obstacles and other road hazards that are more difficult to see at night.