Fall Back and See Clearly

AAA advises drivers to be aware of risky driving habits with the end of daylight-saving time on November 3rd. Georgians will gain an hour of sleep but will face additional risks to their morning and evening commutes thanks to earlier sunrises and sunsets. This is the perfect time to remind everyone of the importance of vision correction for safe driving. According to a new AAA survey, a significant majority of U.S. adults rely on prescription lenses for purposes beyond reading, with 62% wearing eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses. 

“Surprisingly, a striking majority of over 60% of American drivers count on eyeglasses or contacts for clarity on the road,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA–The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Clear vision isn't just a convenience; it enables drivers to spot dangers, decipher traffic signs, and monitor their vehicle's control panel. The bottom line is that staying on top of your eye care can prevent a potential car crash.”

According to AAA Foundation research:

While the vast majority (80%) of drivers who wear prescription lenses report wearing them all the time when driving, 16% only wear them under certain circumstances, and 3% never do so. However, most (94%) of those required to wear corrective lenses on their driver’s license always wear them when driving. 

The AAA study also highlights the importance of regular eye exams. Nearly two-thirds of drivers who wear prescription lenses had a vision test or eye exam within the last year, but 37% hadn’t had an exam in over a year or longer. Younger drivers, aged 18-54, were particularly likely to have missed recent eye exams, with only 53% having had one within the past year. 

AAA encourages all drivers to prioritize their eye health and ensure they have up-to-date prescriptions. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying potential vision problems and ensuring safe driving conditions.

AAA recommends that drivers:

• Compensate for reduced visibility by decreasing your speed and increasing the following distance to four or more seconds behind the car in front of you. 
• Keep your eyes moving. Do not focus on the middle of the area illuminated by your headlights. Watch for sudden flashes of light at hilltops, around curves, or at intersections, as these may indicate the presence of oncoming vehicles. 
• Look at the sides of objects. In dim light, focus on the edges or outlines of objects. Your eyes can pick up images more sharply this way than by looking directly at the object. 
• Avoid being blinded by oncoming high beams. If the driver of an oncoming vehicle fails to dim the lights, look down toward the right side of the road. You should be able to see the edge of the lane or the white-painted edge line and stay on course until the vehicle passes. 

School Safety

Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.

• Slow Down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
• Stay Alert. Drivers should always avoid distractions while driving, but it’s crucial in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
• Headlights. Turn on the vehicle’s daytime running lights or headlights—even during the day—so children and other drivers can see you more easily. But don’t forget to turn them off when you reach your destination to maintain your battery life.