This affects 7 out of 10 drivers in the winter

This affects 7 out of 10 drivers in the winter

During the winter months, it is decidedly dark in many places in our long country. In combination with worse weather, more and more drivers experience stress associated with driving in winter.

The vision test shows that 65 percent of Sweden’s drivers find it more difficult to drive in the dark.

– The eye loses parts of its detailed vision in the dark. In addition, it is more difficult to distinguish colors when it is dark. Something that becomes even more difficult in, for example, rain and snow, explains Awet Tesfamariam, clinical manager at Synoptik.

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A real darkness

In addition to having impaired vision when it is dark, 8 out of 10 drivers experience being dazzled while every fourth car has incorrectly adjusted lighting.

Of the approximately one million passenger cars that Bilprovningen inspected in 2023, one in four had deficiencies in terms of misdirected and non-functioning headlights and position lights.

– The visual inspection in 2024 shows that two out of three car drivers only check the lighting on their car every six months or less often, says Per-Anders Blommefors, inspection manager at Bilprovningen.

Therefore, the recommendation is to check both your vision, but also the lights on your car – especially before you go out on the roads in the winter darkness.

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So you can see better this winter

According to Bilprovningen and Synoptik, there is a whole list of things you should ensure before you head off over the Christmas holidays.

  • High and low beams: Check that bulbs for both high beam and low beam are working.
  • Position lights: Check that the front position lights (white or yellow) and the rear lights (red) work and shine brightly enough.
  • Indicators: Check that all indicator lights (orange) are working. Press the hazard warning light button and you can control all the lights at the same time.
  • Brake lights: Check that all brake light bulbs are working. Don’t forget the extra brake light that is common on newer cars.
  • Reflexes: Check that the car’s reflectors (red) at the back are present and undamaged.
  • Visual acuity: Do a free vision test in a vision computer at the optometrist every two years to be sure that you have road-safe vision.
  • Traffic glasses: If you wear glasses, there are special traffic glasses that reduce glare and provide increased contrast. They also minimize reflections in the glass from, for example, car headlights.
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