It is a well-known and deeply researched fact that driving at night is completely different from driving during daylight hours. Even for people with good eyesight, driving at night poses many different challenges. For those suffering from vision problems like night blindness, it is not only difficult but a dangerous task too. Fast moving cars and unpredictable road conditions are exacerbated by dim lights, which add to the difficulties.
At times, people with night blindness do not have a choice, as they might be traveling to and fro from their workplace, or may have other unavoidable reasons to drive at night. While they need to drive, there are some precautions that they can take to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.
Here are some tips that may help motorists with night blindness drive more effectively and safely:
1. Maintain Car Distance
We all know that we should never get to close the the vehicle in front. Tailgating is even more dangerous if you are driving at night. However, some motorists who cannot see well at night have the habit of getting too close to other vehicles.
Not only is tailgating dangerous, it can also make the other driver nervous, apprehensive, and perhaps even angry. If your headlights dazzle the motorist in front, you could be putting him or her in unnecessary danger.
It is crucial that you maintain a safe distance between your own car and the vehicle in front.
2. Remodel your Car with High Output LED Lights
Another way to improve night visibility for people with night blindness is to equip your car with LEDs for your halogen projector headlights. LED bulbs are pretty bright, but not to the extent that they may impair your vision or that of the other drivers and pedestrians. With LED lights, you can have a good amount of light without affecting your ability to drive safely.
Also, LED lights are capable of achieving maximum brightness instantly. They can help you see the road better, especially if you cannot see so well at night. If you need to slow down or stop suddenly, the car behind you will see your brake lights more quickly than if your vehicle had halogen or HID light bulbs.
Even though LED light bulbs are more expensive, they last up to ten times longer than other types of bulbs. Over the long-term, they work out much cheaper.
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3. Use a Night Vision System
3. Use a Night Vision SystemNight vision systems make use of technology that allow you to see beyond the reach of your headlights. A night vision system is extremely helpful for people with night blindness.
These systems basically help to improve your perception of the road while driving at night under low light through the use of thermographic cameras. Thermographic cameras use infrared raditation to form a heat zone image. That is why we also call them infrared cameras. They help you be aware of everything that is going on well ahead of you, so that you have time to avoid dangerous situations.
Most motorists do not know that such night vision systems exist. If they did, many of them, especially those with night blindness, would probably consider buying one.
One such night vision system is the Lanmodo Vast Automotive Night Vision System. It is one of the best night vision systems on the market. The system is designed to assist people while driving at night under adverse weather conditions. It is also extremely useful when you have to drive in heavy rain at any time of day or night
How can motorists benefit?
Motorists with night blindess could benefit from this system for the following reasons.
- It provides a visual distance of up to 300 meters. That is a very long way ahead. It allows drivers who cannot see well at night to ‘read the road’ well ahead so that they can take safety measures before a looming hazard or danger is too close.
- The Lanmodo automotive night vision system displays a color image in full-HD resolution, unlike many other black and white image built-in cameras.
- There is an 8.2-inch screen with 1080p resolution, making the road clearly visible in dark environments too.
- The system has 36-degree wide-angle, which covers a wider angle than the car headlight.
4. Slow Down the Speed
If you have night blindness, speed is your biggest enemy. You need to drive carefully and relatively slowly, i.e., more slowly than you would during daytime hours. Make sure that you can take safety measures against anything you detect within the range of your headlights. The slower you go, the safer you will be.
However, do not drive so slowly that other motorists are forced to overtake you all the time, which can create additional dangers for them, your car, and other vehicles.
5. Take Care of your Eyes
Make sure you have regular eye checks and that your glasses are up-to-date regarding your eyesight. Many drivers with night blindness would be able to see much better at night if they wore the right glasses.
A healthy and balanced diet can help protect your eyes and vision. Make sure you are consuming plenty of natural sources of vitamin A. Broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, sweet red pepper, eggs, cod liver oil, fortified breakfast cereals, and fortified skim milk are good sources of vitamin A.
Conclusion
If you have night blindness, it is best to avoid driving at night as much as possible. But under unavoidable circumstances take all the precautions to stay safe on the road. The above safety tips can help you drive more safely at night. Driving safely protects you, passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
Apart from taking these precautionary measures, it is wise to have a night vision system. It can improve road perception greatly and give you a fair idea of what is coming ahead. While driving at night, it is highly advisable to stay vigilant and be extra cautious. Do not rely on others to drive well – there are many bad, unpredictable, and unstable drivers on the road.
Check your insurance policy regarding night blindness, especially if you have been diagnosed by a health care professional.