Posted on 7/29/2025

It might seem harmless to leave your car’s interior lights on while driving, especially if you're searching for something or trying to keep kids occupied on a nighttime trip. But while this may feel like a minor convenience, it can actually lead to distractions that reduce your focus and increase your risk of an accident. Interior lighting is designed primarily for short-term use when the vehicle is stationary. Once you’re on the road, those same lights can interfere with visibility and safety in surprising ways. How Interior Lights Affect Your Vision Driving at night already challenges your eyes. Your pupils dilate to adjust to the darkness and focus on what’s ahead. When interior lights are on, especially dome lights or map lights near the windshield, they compete with the darkness outside, reducing your night vision. This glare from within the cabin causes your pupils to contract, limiting your ability to see the road clearly. Your eyes are ... read more