Avoiding Roadway Glare

Driving at night can cause serious problems for a driver when incurring traffic in front of, or behind, the vehicle.  However, drivers can minimize such distress on their eyes and other drivers’ eyes by following AAA’s simple tips:

• Clean your headlights- When you clean your windshield at the gas station don’t forget to clean your headlights as well.  Even a thin layer of road grime on the headlights can block up to 90 percent of the light and restrict your ability to see.

•  Keep all glass clear- Streaks, smudges and road grime on your windshield both inside and out can catch and refract light.  For maximum glare prevention, keep every surface between your eyes and the road as clear as possible.

•  Aim your headlights correctly- during regularly scheduled maintenance appointments ask your service technicians to check the aim of your headlights and correct the aim if necessary.

•  Adjust mirrors- Properly aligned rearview and outside mirrors not only reduce blind spots, but they also reduce glare from vehicles behind you.

•  Use high beams judiciously- In rural settings with little or no oncoming traffic, high beams can be quite effective, but always remember to dim them when vehicles are approaching.