Now the dark nights have set in, and the bad weather is upon us, how is your eyesight whilst driving?
What to look out for whilst you are behind the wheel with impaired vision?
Driving can be nerve wracking for people at the best of times, so having your vision compromised would make this worse. Now would be the best time to ensure you have an up-to-date eye test to keep yourself and other road users safe.
One of the most common causes of compromised vision whilst driving, is usually eye strain. When it is bright outside, wearing sunglasses would help with this. Alternatively, factoring some time into your journey to give your eyes a rest is essential. If you find the problem re-occurs, it would be worth speaking to your optician to see if glasses or contact lenses are needed whilst driving.
Your eyesight and driving in sunlight
We all know driving in bright sunlight can be very challenging. A few points to check for you and your vehicle when this happens:
- You have plenty of washer fluid in the vehicle.
- A clean windscreen, any smears can make the glare worse.
- A good pair of sunglasses.
- Keep a good distance between you and the car in front, giving you plenty of breaking room.
Your eyesight and driving in rain and bad winter weather
The main point would be to take it easy and give yourself enough time on your journey. It can be frightening to be caught in a rain storm, keeping a safe distance between yourself and other road users is an easy way to help prevent any hazardous situations.
- Keep your distance, this will help with the spray back created by other vehicles on the road.
- Turn on your dipped head lights making it easier for other vehicles to see you (using your fog light is not a good idea, this can be mistaken for brake lights and can affect the vision of the drivers behind you)
- As always, pay extra attention to the road.
- Your tyres should be of good tread. Low tread tyres can be dangerous and they are illegal.
You would always have your vehicle checked, MOT & Serviced, please make sure you keep on top of your health too!
Here is a link to the GOV website for some advice on what to do with any vision impairment conditions: Eye conditions and driving: If you have a car or motorcycle licence – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
