Does the shortened visual distance of drivers at night affect observation?
2 Answers
Night driving with shortened visual distance does affect observation. Here are the detailed explanations: Introduction: At night, drivers can only observe road conditions within the range illuminated by headlights, which indeed shortens the visual distance and affects observation. Therefore, to see more of the road ahead, drivers need to concentrate intensely, which is more strenuous and can lead to fatigue. Precautions for night driving: Be cautious of non-motorized vehicles on the right during encounters: Do not panic when encountering oncoming vehicles at night; pay attention to pedestrians and bicycles on the right. When the distance to the oncoming vehicle is about 150 meters, switch from high beam to low beam. This is both a courtesy and a safety measure. Control speed: Traffic volume is lower at night, and interference from pedestrians and bicycles is relatively less, making it easier for drivers to drive at high speeds, which increases the risk of accidents. Increase following distance: During night driving, drivers have limited visibility compared to daytime and often encounter dangerous or emergency situations. Therefore, drivers must be prepared to stop at any time. To avoid hazards, it is advisable to increase the following distance appropriately to prevent rear-end collisions. Avoid overtaking whenever possible: Before overtaking, check if there are obstacles on the right side of the vehicle being overtaken to prevent collisions caused by the overtaken vehicle swerving left to avoid obstacles. When overtaking is necessary, continuously switch between high and low beams to signal the vehicle ahead, and only proceed with overtaking after confirming it is safe to do so.
Having driven for over 30 years, I deeply understand how shortened visibility at night can severely impact observation. With insufficient lighting, the visual range dramatically decreases. For instance, when driving on highways, I often find it hard to clearly see obstacles or pedestrians ahead, leading to noticeably delayed reaction times and a tendency to overlook road details, which can easily cause accidents. I remember last winter when I almost missed an elderly person crossing the road—it would have been dangerous if I hadn't slowed down in time. So, for safety, I always remind myself to use low beams, keep the speed under 60 km/h, and pay attention to reflective markers for better visibility. Routine maintenance is also crucial; regularly cleaning the windshield to avoid glare can significantly improve night vision. Developing these habits makes nighttime driving much safer.
