POLOWKANE – According to the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa because of the reduction in traffic flow, less traffic means fewer accidents take place at night; which should offer motorists who are on the road before dawn a little peace of mind.
However, the fact that the proportion of fatalities under the veil of darkness is much higher, is cause for concern.
Factors most commonly associated with night accidents are fatigue, reduced visibility, lack of attention and often the influence of alcohol. Depth perception is also reduced at night, resulting in impaired judgment and delayed reflexes.
Approximately 20 percent of adults suffer from defective vision to some degree, ranging from mild shortsightedness to night-blindness which is unusually common amongst road users, some of whom are unaware that they have a degree of night blindness.
After leaving a brightly lit area, it takes about 30 minutes before the human eye can see at 80 percent efficiency, and up to an hour before night vision is at its best.
Motorists who find that night driving is a severe strain on their eyes should consult a doctor or optometrist, who may recommend that driving after dark be avoided altogether.
The AA urges motorists to avoid driving long distances at night, and if people do have to drive, ensure they are alert and driving responsibly.
Objects that are poorly lit are best seen if you focus your vision slightly to the one side, as peripheral vision is less affected by poor light than central vision, according to the AA.
The AA recommends reducing driving speed at night so that you never drive beyond the range of your vision and are able to stop within the length of road illuminated by your vehicle’s headlights.
Increase your following distance at night and, unless you are about to overtake, keep the vehicle ahead at such a distance that it is just in the far limit of light from the dipped beam. Remember that fog lights are banned unless it is misty or raining and can cause eye fatigue for those following your car, so only use them if you really need to.
Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within range of your vision.
The AA advises resisting the temptation to retaliate when other drivers to not dim their beams, as this causes further danger, because having two blinded drivers doubles the risk.
Motorists should adjust their headlights occasionally, especially when driving at night and with heavier loads than usual. This may tilt the car and dip the beam which will be angled to shine too far ahead and dazzle oncoming drivers without properly illuminating the road.
