No, yellow "night driving" clip-ons have been shown to provide no actual benefit for seeing ability at night.
While often marketed to reduce glare and improve visibility in low-light conditions, scientific evidence indicates that these lenses do not enhance your vision when driving at night.
Why Night Driving Clip-Ons Don't Work
The primary claim behind yellow night driving glasses or clip-ons is that they filter blue light, which some believe reduces glare from headlights and streetlights. However, this filtering effect also reduces the overall amount of light reaching your eyes.
- Lack of Scientific Benefit: Research, as highlighted by experts, demonstrates that these lenses do not improve your ability to see objects or potential hazards in the dark.
- Reduced Light Transmission: By filtering light, including blue light, the lenses actually decrease the total amount of light entering your eye. At night, when light is already scarce, this can make it harder, not easier, to see.
- False Sense of Security: As noted in studies, "Yellow 'Night Driving' lenses have been shown to provide no benefit in seeing ability at night. They are even hazardous, because they give the driver a feeling of seeing better, which no one has yet been able to explain." This feeling of improved vision can lead drivers to be less cautious, increasing risk.
Potential Hazards
Wearing night driving clip-ons can pose several risks:
- Decreased Visibility: Reducing the amount of light you perceive can hinder your ability to spot pedestrians, cyclists, or obstacles.
- Increased Reaction Time: Poorer visibility can mean a longer time to react to unexpected situations.
- Overconfidence: The subjective feeling of seeing better can override caution and defensive driving practices necessary for safe night driving.
Instead of relying on special lenses, focusing on proper vehicle maintenance (like clean headlights and windshields) and adjusting your driving habits for nighttime conditions are the most effective ways to improve safety after dark.
