Does the shortened visual distance of drivers at night affect observation?
2 Answers
Yes. Drivers' observation of objects at night is significantly worse than during the day, and the visual distance becomes shorter. Here is a brief introduction to safe driving at night: Drive at low speed: Nighttime visibility cannot be compared to daytime, so it is necessary to maintain a slow speed. Maintain an appropriate speed so that you have reaction time to brake in case of any situation. Correct use of high and low beams: Use low beams as much as possible during normal driving to avoid inconvenience to oncoming vehicles. Use high beams when turning or going uphill to alert the other party of an approaching vehicle. Maintain distance: Poor visibility at night also means slower reactions. If the following distance is too close, it is easy to cause a rear-end collision. Therefore, maintain an appropriate distance, slightly farther than during the day.
Reduced visibility at night certainly affects observation ability. I've driven night shifts in both urban and rural areas – under insufficient lighting, it's harder for the eyes to discern distant objects like suddenly appearing pedestrians or animals, significantly slowing reaction time and increasing accident risks. Daytime visibility spans hundreds of meters, while at night it may shrink to mere dozens; at higher speeds, braking or steering becomes critically delayed. I once nearly hit a roadside rock due to shortened sightlines. To compensate, I always reduce speed, maintain following distance, and use high beams judiciously to illuminate farther stretches without dazzling others. Dirty windows worsen visibility too, so I regularly clean them to prevent glare. Driving fatigued exacerbates the issue as eyes tire faster – I recommend minimizing long nighttime journeys or taking breaks. Environmental factors like rain, fog, or unlit roads amplify these challenges. Developing habits like checking headlight brightness and ensuring tire traction helps mitigate risks. Ultimately, shortened visibility complicates nighttime observation, demanding extra vigilance with safety as the priority.
