Summer time is almost over, which means continuing to drive while it gets dark. The fact that we lose an hour of daylight in the fall may seem insignificant, but the end of daylight saving time leads to a 16% increase in deer collisions, according to a 2022 study. An increase in fatal car crashes after the end of DST was also observed in a published medical study of 1995 which examined data between 1987 and 1991.

With the extra hour of darkness during the commute, we need to adjust our habits to improve our ability to see at night. Find out why driving in the dark can be dangerous and how to see better and drive safer after dark.

Why driving in the dark is more difficult

Simply put, it’s harder to see in low light conditions. Other issues make matters worse, like headlight glare and interior cabin lighting.

In the United States, newer vehicles have brighter headlightscausing more glare and afterimages. Technologies like LED bulbs and laser emitters make nighttime driving akin to a strobe attack.

Some drivers inherently have a harder time adjusting to low light, such as the elderly and anyone with vision problems such as myopia, astigmatism or glaucoma.

9 Tips for Driving Safer at Night

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to reduce vision problems when driving after dark.

Keep your windshield clean to reduce glare

Glare can increase when your windshield is dirty because dirt scatters light. Certain treatments, such as rain repellent, can also increase the glare on your windshield at night. Keep your windshield as clear as possible to reduce glare and improve visibility. AAA says A dirty windshield can also limit or obstruct your field of vision, and he recommends aiming to clean your windshield at least once a week.

Keep your headlights clean

THE Mayo Clinic says you can also help increase visibility by making sure your headlights are free of dirt and debris. Checking headlight cleanliness is especially important if you live in a dusty area or are in an area where insects are common.

Use high beams if necessary

Be sure to use your high beams on rural roads near forests or fields, and as the National Security Council recommends, on longer or wider sections of road. High beams can help you see deer in these cases, but avoid using them in bad weather like rain or fog, as this can reduce visibility. Turn off the high beams when going up hills or around corners to avoid throwing the high beams into the eyes of other drivers.

Do not look directly at oncoming headlights

It may be instinctive to look directly at a flash of oncoming headlights over a hill or around a bend, but practice looking away. Looking into bright headlights can temporarily impair your vision and may also leave afterimages, making it more difficult to see after passing the vehicle.

Check headlight alignment during car inspections

THE Mayo Clinic also recommends working with your mechanic to make sure the headlights are aimed correctly. Wear and tear on your car can cause misalignment, and some cars are manufactured with misaligned headlights. US laws do not require manufacturers to test alignment after headlights are installed, according to NBC News. The result can be devastating glare for other drivers at night, as well as reduced visibility for you.

Dim your interior lights

Interior lighting should always be turned off or dimmed when driving at night. They get your eyes more accustomed to light, which can reduce your night vision (our eyes are usually take a few minutes to adjust in the dark). If your interior lights are on to help you (or a passenger) see something inside your vehicle, this can add to existing distractions. Interior lighting is also an additional source of light that reflects off your windshield.

Keep your glasses clean

Like dirt on a windshield, stains on your glasses can scatter light and make glare problems worse. Be sure to clean your glasses thoroughly, using a cloth designed for glasses, warm water, or mild dish soap without moisturizer. according to Heartland Optical. Wiping your glasses on your shirt may be a common practice, it can also introduce additional dirt and scratches to the lenses, further obscuring vision.

Learn more: Best Places to Buy Glasses Online

Wear the right glasses

Track your optometrist appointments so your doctor can confirm you’re carrying the correct prescription. You can also consult anti-reflective lenseswhich have a coating that reduces reflective light. Avoid eyewear styles that obstruct peripheral vision.

Other options include night driving glasseswhich usually have yellow lenses designed to reduce headlight glare. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using them; some professionals think they could worsen your night vision instead of better.

Learn more: Are you cross-eyed at the moment? It’s time to get your vision checked

Stay alert when driving

Even small time changes can make us feel jet-lagged. Daylight saving time can disrupt your circadian rhythm (that internal clock that tells you when to go to bed and when to go to sleep), according to Northwestern medicineand fatigue can lead to blurred vision.

Adapting to the end of daylight saving time can help you be more alert when driving. Check out our guide to recalibrate your internal alarm clock.