Driving Home for Christmas

For most of us we have been spent the year being unable to visit our families. So for those of us who are able to go home for Christmas/ share Christmas with our loved ones this time will be more important than ever. The government guidelines state that it is safer to drive than it is to take public transport and for some of you this is probably one of the longer drives you would have taken this year. 

So whilst you take time checking the windscreen wiper fluid and whether or not your car is winter ready you also need to make sure your eyes are also ready. 

The Land of Snow and Ice and the Long Dark Nights

In winter there is always the risk of snow and ice when driving. This is not only makes it difficult for your car but it is also makes things difficult for your eyes. On top of this as it gets darker earlier and earlier during winter more of you may find yourself driving in the dark. So its easy to see how more and more accidents happen during this season.

So Here's Your Winter Driving Check List:

• Keep a pair of sunnies in the car- Both Snow and ice reflect the Suns UV rays. So when you are out and about the suns rays can reach your eyes from both above and below. This can cause blinding light and glare as well as the normal UV. So if you're driving make sure you're wearing wrap polaroid frames.
• But avoid wearing tinted lenses for night driving where possible. 
• Keep your windscreen clean both INSIDE and OUT - this can also help with glare and blinding car head lights.
• Book a Test- If you are due an eye test make sure you book one now! It’s probably too late to get one in before Christmas now but whilst you might as well book one whilst you remember.
• Do the number plate test- If you are due for a test you can do self-check for your eyesight by seeing if you can read a car number plate from 20 meter away. This of course is no replacement for an optician but may show you whether your eyes are ready to drive in the low light. 
• Glasses, I can’t find my glasses- Always wear an up-to-date prescription when driving. This is especially important if your optician has told you you need wear glasses when driving (and your opticians knows that you sometimes “forget” but remember you won’t have been driving for a while). 
• Be aware that your vision maybe worse when driving in the dark than in the daylight- your pupils dilate in the dark which decreases your depth of vision so try slightly reduce your speed and concentrate more.

So please drive safe and enjoy your Christmas!

Here's a driving check list that may help make sure you have everything you need: