The American Council on Electrical Engineering has stressed that sunlight is a often overlooked danger when driving. Prolonged exposure to bright light can cause long-term eye damage and significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Mr. Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive (South Africa), said that eye care when driving needs to be given the same attention as any other risk.
In the long run, it can greatly affect vision and create a daily danger to the safety of drivers.
"Imagine you turning into a corner and suddenly getting your eyes shining by the sunlight. It can take physical strength up to five seconds to recover, a period of time equivalent to loss of concentration due to looking at a phone," said Mr. Eugene Herbert.
Here are some simple steps to help protect the eyes and increase safety when driving:
Wear Polar sunglasses: Reduce shine and protect your eyes from the long-term damage of sunlight.
Predicted brilliance: If you regularly drive on the same route, identify areas with significant brilliance and adjust the sunshade accordingly.
Wash the windshield: Wash both the inside and outside of the windshield to avoid reflection.
Clean windshields and rearview mirrors: Dust, stains, and steam on windshields can reduce visibility. Keep the windshield and rearview mirrors clean to ensure clear visibility.
Check your eyes regularly: Check your eyes at least once a year. Passing the eye test to get a driver's license only ensures you meet the minimum requirements, not that your vision is good enough to drive safely.
Treat underlying health conditions: Regular health checks help detect conditions that can affect your vision.
Ensure suitable light: When driving at night, adjust the headlights so as not to brighten the eyes of other drivers. You can also use blurred interior lamps to reduce eye strain.
Avoid driving when tired: Your eyes will be tired and uncomfortable if you drive for too long without rest. Stop to rest and relax your eyes if you feel tired.
Pay attention to distractions: When driving, avoid letting your eyes be distracted by electronic devices, such as your phone. Concentrating on the road is very important to protect the eyes and safety when driving.
Use sunglasses appropriately: Consider using anti-glare coating when driving at night, but avoid wearing sunglasses or yellow contact lenses at night.
By following these simple tips, you will protect your eye health and increase safety when driving.
