Driving at night does everyone find it hard

Bonniepurple

I’ve got more used to it over the years, but I still find some headlights blinding.  I tend to drive a higher up car now, and that helps, which makes me wonder how many people are driving with poorly adjusted headlights.

Narrow, rural roads are fine as you can see the headlights in advance.  It’s the fast moving unlit roads that are really hard work for me.

FWIW I’ve heard that sometimes people have found that having cataract surgery has helped enormously.  Obviously that only works if you have cataracts though!

Grey_Critic

It would be a lot better if headlights were correctly aligned.

Bigwheels1111

I love night driving, did it for work.
For 25 years.
Now I only drive 3000 miles a year if find it harder and harder.

General_Grant

Bonniepurple said:

I’ve got more used to it over the years, but I still find some headlights blinding.  I tend to drive a higher up car now, and that helps, which makes me wonder how many people are driving with poorly adjusted headlights.

Narrow, rural roads are fine as you can see the headlights in advance.  It’s the fast moving unlit roads that are really hard work for me.

FWIW I’ve heard that sometimes people have found that having cataract surgery has helped enormously.  Obviously that only works if you have cataracts though!

I have cataracts that have not yet reached the stage of needing an operation but I do find that headlights are more dazzling - there seem to be rays of light being emitted and I have been told this is what happens with cataracts.  I have given up driving as I did not feel it was safe to continue.

sim2335

if people find it so difficult to drive at night why are there not more accidents (which is a good thing)

Is it drivers see and notice a lot more then they realise

Most pedestrians are careful

Or is it just luck.

sheramber

You not need to wait until cataracts are at a  set stage nowadays.

If they are affecting your lifestyle you can be referred

My husband had his done as it was affecting his hobby. I mentioned to the optician he was thinking of giving  it up  and she advised that  he could be referred due to that.

MikeJXE

General_Grant said:

Bonniepurple said:

I’ve got more used to it over the years, but I still find some headlights blinding.  I tend to drive a higher up car now, and that helps, which makes me wonder how many people are driving with poorly adjusted headlights.

Narrow, rural roads are fine as you can see the headlights in advance.  It’s the fast moving unlit roads that are really hard work for me.

FWIW I’ve heard that sometimes people have found that having cataract surgery has helped enormously.  Obviously that only works if you have cataracts though!

I have cataracts that have not yet reached the stage of needing an operation but I do find that headlights are more dazzling - there seem to be rays of light being emitted and I have been told this is what happens with cataracts.  I have given up driving as I did not feel it was safe to continue.

I'm 82 and have cataracts and my optician referred me for surgery and told me I am on the borderline and must wear glasses, that was July 2021, I saw My optician agin this year and had new glasses that I wear for driving, I got to the top of the queue in August and asked to go in for what you might call a pre-op. After reading the paperwork I am going to have to sign, like, could bleed, could have complications, could need other surgery. What did me was the last item, could lose my sight, I rang them and cancelled. My sight is more precious to me than my life 

sevenhills

fatbelly said:

When I first got my Seat Mii I did find the headlights a bit dim. I replaced the bulbs with, I think, Osram Nightbreaker Plus - it noticeably improved them.

I guess rural drivers may need brighter lights, which is why the OP is finding it difficult to drive at night.
I find my own lights hardly matter, I can drive perfectly well on side lights or headlights. I fact I have noticed some cars don't even bother to switch them on.

diystarter7

sheramber said:

You not need to wait until cataracts are at a  set stage nowadays.

If they are affecting your lifestyle you can be referred

My husband had his done as it was affecting his hobby. I mentioned to the optician he was thinking of giving  it up  and she advised that  he could be referred due to that.

Hi

Mrs D had what the opticians  called 'sudden onset'

I was driving in LA we were on hols with the family in their big rental SUV's about 25 years ago -  she complained about not seeing the road  signs as she could the week before.  We thought nothing of it until she drove to work and defo noticed a difference. Went to the opticians they told her re "sudden onset, both eys" Mrs D was young for this kind of stuff.

Mrs D was fast-tracked as she drove and like me always worked and we were advised those that drove/worked I think were given priority - got the first eye done within a couple of weeks and then I think a few weeks later the other eye. Mrs D stated the colours were far brighter and she could see a lot further and even now 25 yrs after that her sight is almost perfect. However, she too hates night time driving now as got the same probs as me, diff to see.

Thnaks

venomx

Get "white" headlights as they illuminate the road much clearer.
Use high beams when possible
Drive slower around residential areas 

If really not confident then don't drive when it's dark

As I've said to your posts before, get some driving lessons and experience with an instructor when its dark