For many drivers, driving after dark is a challenge. But there is actually something you can do yourself, says the Danish Eye Association.
Never look directly into the headlights of an oncoming car.
It sounds obvious, and yet many drivers do just that. A new study from England reveals that 8 out of 10 drivers feel bothered by the LED lights on newer cars.
But there is actually something more that you as a driver can do to reduce the discomfort, explains Carsten Edmund, a trained ophthalmologist and chairman of the Danish Eye Association, to FDM .
– Small eyeglass errors matter the older you get, because you need to utilize your ability to see as best as possible, especially when it gets dark.
It obviously costs some money, but can be a big improvement for your eyesight, he says.
In England, drivers, and some drivers apparently, will not be satisfied with good advice. Several of them are ready to ban LED headlights.
Graeme Downie, a member of the Labour party in the British parliament, has also expressed concern on behalf of the complaining drivers to Sky News.
– The increased safety for individual drivers cannot and must not be at the expense of other road users and pedestrians.
Concern among the British has prompted an official investigation. But the results are not expected until the summer at the earliest. Until then, it is unknown whether the British will tighten their grip on cars with LED headlights.
However, there are many indications that the technology is here to stay. Last year, the Danish Transport Agency confirmed in a written response to Boosted that owners of older cars are now also allowed to install LED lights in their headlights. Read more about it here .
Good advice for keeping the bright light from LED lights at a distance:
- Never look directly into the headlights of an oncoming driver.
- Make sure the windshield is clean both inside and out – a dirty window will make the glare worse.
- Change your windshield wipers regularly so they don't wear out completely and don't clean the window properly.
- Especially in the winter period – check if the headlights are free of ice and snow.
- Turn down the lights in the cabin and the car's infotainment system so that they are not too bright.
- Consider reducing your speed during the dark hours.
- Keep a good distance from oncoming drivers.
- Fold down the rearview mirror so that you are not dazzled by drivers from behind.
Source: FDM
