DEFENSIVE > VIEW > BLINDED

Blinded

Blinded is referring to conditions that limit visibility such as those enumerated below.

Causes of blinding:

• Smoke.

• Fog.

• Blizzard.

• Lights.

💡 Tips:

• ⮟ Tips to mitigate blinding.

• ⮟ What to do if you are blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle.

? Questions:

• ⮟ Can you still drive if you are blind in one eye?

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💡 Tips to mitigate blinding

• First thing is to reduce speed, however do not travel too slowly as you may be rear ended by a faster vehicle.

• Put on fog lights, not headlights which will reflect back into your eyes and reduce visibility.

• Do not use parking lights as they won't serve any useful purpose and as the name implies, are designed only for parking.

• Hazard lights will also be useful.

• Be aware of other road users not using lights.

• Use the edge of the road as a guide instead of the center line so that you are further from any oncoming traffic.

• Do not overtake other vehicles under such limited view conditions.

• Concentrate fully on the road. Better not to have a conversation with other passengers, never mind any cell phone calls or use.

• Do not use cruise control. Maintain full manual control over your vehicle.

• Be patient until conditions improve.

• At an intersection, wind the window down to listen for other traffic.

• If visibility is very limited, it would be wiser to pull to the side of the road, however make sure you are well clear from even the shoulder, if possible, as a vehicle may be traveling down the shoulder to be safer. Put on your hazard lights, however switch off any external lights which could be confusing to other road users. Also make sure your foot is not on the brake so that your brake lights are on.

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💡 What to do if you are blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle

If you are blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, it can be a challenging and potentially dangerous situation. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the impact and maintain safety:

• Avoid Staring Directly Into the Lights: Do not look directly into the oncoming headlights. Instead, focus your gaze slightly to the right side of the road. This can help reduce the glare and allow your eyes to adjust better.

• Use Your Rearview Mirror: Adjust your rearview mirror to the nighttime setting. This can help reduce the intensity of the lights coming from behind you.

• Dim Your Own Lights: If you have not already done so, switch from high beams to low beams. High beams can significantly contribute to glare for oncoming drivers.

• Increase Following Distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This provides more reaction time in case the vehicle in front of you makes sudden moves, and it can also help minimize the impact of headlight glare.

• Look for Road Markings: Focus on the road markings or use the edge of the road as a guide. This can help you maintain your lane without relying solely on the headlights of the oncoming vehicle.

• Slow Down: If the glare is severe and you find it difficult to see the road, consider slowing down until your eyes adjust, and you can see more clearly. However, maintain a safe and legal speed.

• Shield Your Eyes: Use the sun visor to block out some of the oncoming light. Tilt it down to cover your line of sight with the headlights.

• Signal to Oncoming Driver: If you believe the oncoming driver is unaware that their lights are blinding, you can gently flash your high beams a couple of times. This can signal to the other driver that their lights are too bright.

• Consider Pulling Over: If the glare is too intense and you find it difficult to see the road, consider pulling over to a safe location until the oncoming vehicle passes. Do not stop suddenly or park in an unsafe area.

Remember that both drivers have a responsibility to use their vehicle's lights responsibly. If you consistently experience issues with oncoming headlights, it's a good idea to have your eyes checked by an optometrist to ensure you don't have any vision-related problems.

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? Can you still drive if you are blind in one eye?

The ability to drive with vision loss in one eye depends on various factors, including the specific regulations and laws of the country or state where you reside. In many jurisdictions, individuals with vision loss in one eye are permitted to drive as long as their vision meets the minimum requirements for safe driving.

However, it's important to note that driving with monocular vision (vision in only one eye) may have certain limitations and potential challenges. Depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to perceive objects and judge distances accurately can be affected. These factors are crucial for safe driving, as they contribute to awareness of surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards.

If you have vision loss in one eye, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional or an eye care specialist, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, who can assess your specific condition and provide guidance on whether you meet the visual requirements for driving. They can also provide advice on any potential adaptations or precautions that may be necessary to ensure safe driving.

Ultimately, the decision to drive with vision loss in one eye should prioritize safety and comply with local laws and regulations.

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