There’s a true risk in driving at night. In every situation, you have to make the right decision for yourself. If you are having trouble seeing well or you worry about the animals that approach the roadway, it’s important to take steps to minimize these risks. It’s not uncommon for people to struggle with vision changes as they get older. Doing so simply means changing your driving habits. How can you drive with confidence even in these situations?
Drive at Night Less Often
One of the ways you can minimize some of the risks to you is simply to drive less at night. That seems like a simple statement, but for those who are struggling and at a risk disadvantage during the evening hours, a change like this is critical. Ask yourself these questions:
- Can you plan your trip, so you never have to drive after the sun goes down?
- What route can you take that is going to get you home faster with more lighted roads along the way?
- Can you change up your daily routine even a bit to drive during the day more often?
When possible, avoid doing it. Most people can do this only on a limited basis. That means it is time to consider other steps to make driving at night less of a risk to you.
Improve Your Skills Behind the Wheel
Most people who are older know how to drive. They are confident in that ability. What they struggle with is the unknown. What’s on the side of the road? Are road conditions bad? To overcome this fear, consider a few key tips:
- Slow down. The simple act of driving slower gives your eyes and your brain more time to adjust to what is happening on the roadway. It could be just what you need to avoid the outcome you don’t desire.
- Take a defensive stance when on the road. Instead of driving down the road near the curb, move closer to the middle. This gives you more time to react to an animal approaching on the side of the street.
- Are you having trouble with snow, rain, or fog? In these conditions, make sure you take things slow. In addition to this, you can choose roads that are better lit and those better taken care of. For example, avoid roads where there are water puddles.
Next, Focus on Your Car
Another way to improve your confidence on the road is to know your vehicle is tough enough to handle it. It does not have to be challenging to do this. Rather, consider a few simple steps to make your car safer at night:
- Invest in a higher quality, brighter headlight. These cost a fraction more, but they can give you a much wider range of light, giving you the confidence you need to see along the road.
- Improve your tires, too. Knowing you have tires that are less likely to slip can help you to feel more confident on those wet roads.
- Turn down the lights in your car. When you reduce interior lights, you can see better outside. That’s because your eyes have more time to adjust and there are fewer glares and reflections to manage.
In every situation, your goal should be to make wise decisions when you are on the road. Don’t drive when conditions are bad. If you really are afraid to drive at night, don’t do so. And, if you think your vision is changing or worsening, talk to your eye doctor about driving glasses to improve this. These steps can give you confidence behind the wheel.
