9 Tips for Safe Driving as Daylight Saving Time Ends: Beware of Deer and Improve Nighttime Visibility

The end of daylight saving time results in increased nighttime driving. Studies from 2022 and the late 1980s to early 1990s found higher rates of deer collisions and fatal car accidents during this transition. To enhance safety during the extended nighttime, it's essential to adjust driving habits and improve visibility for safe driving after sunset.

What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) involves shifting clocks forward one hour during the summer months and back again in the fall to make better use of natural daylight. This practice is often remembered with the phrase "spring forward, fall back." In spring, clocks move forward, losing an hour, and in fall, they move back, gaining an hour.

DST is predominantly used in the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It typically starts in March-April and ends in September-November when countries revert to standard time, also known as winter time.

In contrast, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia, New Zealand, most of South America, and southern Africa, usually start DST in September-November and end it in March-April.

The rationale for using DST varies. It is primarily intended to make better use of evening daylight, potentially reducing road accidents and energy consumption. However, opinions on its effectiveness differ among studies, with some suggesting benefits in terms of road safety and energy savings, while others point out health-related concerns.

9 Tips To Prevent Unsafe Nighttime Driving

The main difficulty of nighttime driving is reduced visibility due to low light conditions and the potential for glare from bright headlights on newer vehicles. This can be especially challenging for older individuals or those with vision problems like nearsightedness, astigmatism, or glaucoma. Here are nine tips to address these vision issues when driving at night.

Maintain a Clean Windshield

To improve visibility and minimize glare, keep your windshield clean, as dirt and some treatments can disperse light and obstruct your vision, according to AAA's recommendations.

Clean Your Headlights

Aside from the windshield, it is also recommended to ensure that headlights are clean and free from dirt and debris to maximize their brightness and improve visibility, particularly in dusty regions or areas prone to insect collisions.

Utilize High Beams As Required

Use high beams on rural roads near forests or fields to spot deer, especially on longer stretches, but avoid using them in bad weather or when approaching hills and curves to prevent blinding other drivers.

Don't Look at Incoming Headlights

Avoid looking directly at oncoming vehicle headlights, as the intense light can temporarily blind you and create afterimages, impairing your vision after the vehicle passes.

Ensure That Headlights Are Aimed Properly

Consult your mechanic to ensure that your car's headlights are correctly aligned, as wear and tear or manufacturing oversights can lead to misalignment, causing excessive glare for other drivers and reduced visibility for you.

Dim Interiior Lights

It's advisable to turn off or dim interior lights while driving at night to preserve night vision, prevent distractions, and minimize windshield reflections.

Clean Car's Glasses

Cleaning your eyeglasses thoroughly with a suitable cleaning cloth, warm water, and mild, moisturizer-free dish soap is essential to avoid smudges that can contribute to glare issues, as wiping them on your shirt may introduce dirt and risk lens scratches.

Wear the Right Prescription Glasses

Regular optometrist appointments are essential to ensure you have the correct prescription and consider anti-reflective lenses to reduce reflective light. However, avoid eyeglass styles that limit peripheral vision, and consult your doctor before using yellow-lens night driving glasses as they may not necessarily improve night vision.