BOISE – With the end of Daylight Savings Time on November 3, AAA is sharing new research and safety tips to help drivers navigate the dark days ahead.

According to AAA’s new survey, more than 6 in 10 U.S. drivers rely on prescription eyewear behind the wheel.  Of that group, 80% wear their corrective lenses every time they drive, 16% only wear them occasionally, and 3% don’t wear them at all.

“This time of year, visibility can be a real challenge, which is why we all need to prioritize our eye health,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “Failure to do so could put ourselves and other road users in harm’s way, including bicyclists and pedestrians.”

AAA says that nearly two-thirds of survey respondents who wear prescription lenses had a vision test or eye exam within the past year.  Younger drivers ages 18-54 were among the most likely to miss regular eye exams, with just 53% having received one in the previous year.

“Like a drip of engine fluid on the driveway, fuzzy vision or increased sensitivity can be symptoms of a bigger issue,” Conde said.  “If you want to detect and resolve concerns, it pays to be proactive.”

Previous AAA research – eye fatigue

  • 95% of drivers view drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous, yet 18% admitted to driving when they were so tired they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the 30 days before the survey.
  • Drivers who sleep less than five hours have a crash risk comparable to an impaired driver.
  • Missing one to two hours of sleep nearly doubles the chance of a crash.

Driving at night

  • Actively scan the road and increase your following distance.  If you own prescription eyewear, please use it.
  • In dim light, focus on the edges or outlines of objects to see them more clearly.
  • Look at the white fog line on your right to avoid being blinded by oncoming lights.
  • Use high beams whenever possible.
  • Always use turn signals to communicate your intent.

At the roadside

  • Watch for workers and emergency vehicles.  Slow down and move over one lane if possible.
  • Ditch the distractions and focus on driving.

Car care

  • Use a low-cost cleaning kit to polish yellowed or cloudy headlight lenses, or have the work performed by a trusted repair shop.
  • Regularly check to make sure brake light and headlight bulbs are working properly.
  • Make sure your A/C can properly de-fog your windows when on defrost mode.

“If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam or updated your prescription, consider making an appointment soon.  Get plenty of rest and avoid heavy meals before a long drive,” Conde said.  “And, as always, watch for kids near schools and in residential neighborhoods.”