How to handle situations where other car headlights blind you, causing temporary blindness.
At night, a driver's visibility is significantly reduced, and the glare from other vehicles' headlights can temporarily obscure their vision.
Driving at night can be a challenging task for novice drivers or even experienced ones. The glare from oncoming headlights is a dangerous situation and can cause accidents if the driver loses control of the steering wheel.
So, when faced with this situation, how should the driver handle it to avoid causing an unfortunate accident?
Reduce speed
Glare temporarily impairs visibility and reduces a driver's reaction time. Therefore, reducing speed will limit the likelihood of an accident.
Reducing speed and avoiding looking directly at the headlights of oncoming vehicles are ways to prevent drivers from experiencing temporary blindness when driving at night.
Additionally, drivers should maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front, allowing more time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
Simultaneously with slowing down, drivers should try to move their vehicles closer to the right, but ensure they don't obstruct other vehicles. Moving to the right will give drivers more space to maneuver and avoid oncoming traffic.
Avoid looking directly at the headlights of oncoming vehicles.
Unconsciously, drivers tend to look directly at the source of the glare, making the situation worse. At this point, be alert and immediately avert your gaze to the right, towards the area not illuminated by the headlights, to reduce glare. A helpful tip is to pay attention to the lane markings on the right, or the curb on smaller roads. This way, drivers avoid being blinded while still ensuring they stay in their lane.
Clean the windshield and wiper blades.
The parts that need cleaning include the windshield, side windows (both inside and outside), and rearview mirrors. When light from the car's headlights passes through a dirty windshield, the light is refracted by the dust on the car, thereby increasing the glare of the headlights.
The rubber wiper blades on the windshield can be cleaned by dampening a clean cloth or paper towel with glass cleaner, then wiping until clean. If the rubber blades are old or worn, for example, torn or hardened, replace them.
How to reduce glare from headlights of vehicles behind you.
Besides glare from oncoming vehicles, drivers also face glare from vehicles immediately behind them with their high beams on. This causes glare in both the interior and exterior rearview mirrors.
A car with an automatic anti-glare rearview mirror is the most effective solution in this situation. But if the car doesn't have this feature, the driver can avoid glare from the interior rearview mirror by flipping a lever located on the lower edge of the mirror.
Adjust your car mirrors correctly.
For the exterior rearview mirrors, the American Automobile Association (AAA) advises the following correct adjustment method: the driver should rest their head against the closed left door and adjust the mirror until a small portion of the car body is visible. Then, they should move a similar distance to the right and adjust the right mirror in the same way.
Get your eyesight checked regularly.
According to the American Optometric Association, everyone under 60 should have an eye exam at least every two years, and annually after age 60. As you age, your eyes become more sensitive. Early detection of problems allows for better treatment. If you drive and wear glasses or contact lenses, remember to keep them clean and free of scratches. Dirty, scratched, and dirty lenses can worsen glare.
Take frequent breaks when driving at night for extended periods.
This will reduce fatigue and give your eyes time to recover to their best condition. Even drivers should take a short nap or brisk walk to stay alert.
