More than four billion adults wear glasses. Since driving a car is an essential aspect of modern life, it stands to reason that many of those four billion are also drivers, especially in the U.S. Glasses provide clearer vision for those who wear them, thereby helping to keep everyone on the roads safe. If you’re required to wear glasses, it’s critical that you wear them as directed. Not only do they make for a safer driving experience, but if you’re in an accident and weren’t wearing them, you can also be cited for a traffic violation and have a car insurance claim denied. To avoid this possibility and ensure a safe drive whenever you're at the wheel, keep the following tips in mind.

How to Drive Safely While Wearing Eyeglasses

1. Keep Glasses Clean & Clear

Eyeglasses should be free of spots, smudges, and smears before you turn the key in the ignition. Also, check them regularly for any cracks, chips, loose fittings, uneven arms, or an off-balance nose bridge. All of these are potential safety hazards that can impede a pure, unobstructed line of sight.

Never clean lenses with a shirttail, as the dust and other particles on clothing can scratch the glass. Instead, keep your glove compartment well stocked with eyeglass cleaning wipes for easy access.

2. Be Mindful of Peripheral Vision

No eyeglasses completely cover one's entire field of vision. The peripheral areas just beyond the lenses will remain less crisp, so it’s important to be alert to things happening outside of your center gaze.

Get in the habit of slightly turning your head to the left and right from time to time to check what's going on around you. This way, you're not totally depending on the less-clear vision beyond your central focus and are getting a fuller, sharper view by turning the head. A simple habit like this might prevent a serious accident and the need to file a car insurance claim.

3. Consider Night Driving Glasses

There are special driving eyeglasses designed to be worn at night. They have better contrast and depth perception in dim lighting conditions than standard glasses and also help reduce the glare from oncoming headlights.

You'll need to first obtain a prescription for night driving glasses, so make an appointment to see your eye care provider. Also, be sure to keep your daily-wear eyeglass prescription updated by visiting the eye doctor at least once a year or at the first sign of vision changes.

The right car insurance policy will protect you in the event of an accident. Lafever Insurance Agency has been insuring the Putnam County, TN, area since 1978. They offer auto, RV, and motorcycle insurance as well as policies for commercial settings. Call (931) 526-3377 or visit them online to request a quote for car insurance coverage.