Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-28

Upon approaching any car I always
tilt my headlights down in the usual
manner, but If there is no response !
give them the far focus for an instant
This often serves to bring the needed
cooperation. Many drivers are not
thinking OF any one but themselves.
The extra flash does the trick.
The habit Of following the right
shoulder of the road by 1ixting the eye
on some point of the car. such as the
mirror on the right fender or the radi-
ator ornament. helps break one OF the
habit Of looking into approaching head
lights. At night on the open road it is
also a good idea to sit closer to the left
door so that the left windshield post be-
comes a useful blind spot to cut head
light glare"
One point seldom considered in night
driving is the dust on the windshield,
both inside and out. The man at the
filling station may rub of the wind
shield, but on the inside there may re-
main a coat Of fine particles that will
act like miniature lenses to difuse light
rays and make them glare. There Is
apt to be more dust inside in warm
weather because the windows of the car
are lowered. The drivers glasses also
may contribute to the glare II not kept
clean.
Much Of the glare from cars follow
ing can be eliminated II The rear win
dow and the rear-view mirror are kept
clean. 1t is advisable to use q mirror
OF the non-glare type:
Various Devices Available.
Various devices are available for use
IN cutting the glare from approaching
headlights, and If the driver finds them
NJ anu nNa VNrOfNo lAIy tia hA
logical effect is desirable. The growing
use Of inside sun visors Is effective in
reducing headlight glare. The same
can be said for the trend toward the
use of Slanting windshields.
In warm weather it is well to push the
windshield out a little. If 1t is of the
fiat type and can be moved in this di-
rection. This slantS the glass and
causes a desirable defraction of the
headlight rays.
Why we go blind" at night when
strong headlights fash at Us is not gen.
orally appreciated. 1t can be explained,
however, by reference TO the action of
the iris of the eye which at night is ex-
banded to admit as much light as posi-
BILE to reach the retina and to provide
vision. With the pupillary opening at
its maximum the situation Is Just the
reverse Of daytime driving when the iris
is we'll contracted. Naturally there Is
an acute strain on the eye when the
glaring lights Of another car suddenly
bob into view.
Cause Of Blindness"
Here the glaring light rays pass freely
through the dilated iris and strike the
retina before the eye has chance to
adjust itself. Binding is the result.
Even though the iris may require only
two seconds TO adjust itself the car may
move one hundred feet ahead.
Further difIiculty is experienced when
the eye again readjuStS itself to the
normal light of the road, provided by
the cars own headlights. The iris is
slower expanding than contracting.
There is thus q period of poor vision
following the passing of the menace.
Avoidance of "out-driving" headlights
is essential. If the road is visible 300
feet ahead it is dangerous to drive as If
you could see 400 feet. Just beyond the
light range there may be hazard.
Night driving can be safer and more
pleaSurable. 1t depends largely on how
familiar one is with the processes in
volved.
Copyright, 1891, by The Russell Serviee.)