Winter is almost upon us and as the clocks go back this weekend, it’s a reminder to check our vision for driving. As the nights draw in, inevitably that means more time spent driving in the dark. There are a few things worth checking to make sure you get safely to your destination.
Glare from oncoming headlights is a big problem for many drivers. There are several ways this can be reduced. For a start dirt and grease on both your windscreen and your spectacles can cause the halo effect, with unwanted scatter of light, exacerbating already bright oncoming headlights, so make sure your lenses and windscreen are cleaned regularly. Ask us about an anti-reflection coating for your glasses. Even younger drivers with normally good vision, glare can cause a temporary blurriness called night myopia – the driver becomes short sighted for a time and distant objects become blurry.
Avoid wearing tinted spectacles – it’s sometimes claimed they help with driving, but at night they cut down the level of light entering your eyes, making your vision worse – the Highway code does not recommend wearing any form of tint whilst driving.
Make sure your car’s lights are working properly and are aligned for best view of the road. Reduce your speed and try concentrating on the curb rather than being drawn to look directly into the oncoming headlights.
Benjamin’s recommend you keep a second pair of spectacles in the car just for driving – that way you’ll never be without them.
Finally make sure you are safe to drive by having a regular sight test and that your spectacles or contact lenses are fitted with the most up to date prescription for your driving.
An up-to-date sight test, spectacles with the correct prescription for near and distance with an anti-reflection coating, the correct vehicle lighting and a clean windscreen will all help you and fellow road users to stay safe this winter. Please call Benjamins if in doubt about your vision to drive.
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