Have you ever seen a puddle in the middle of the road while driving, but as you get closer, there's not a drop of water? This is a warning about an optical illusion caused by hot weather, where light refraction makes it look like there is water on the road.
Many people have probably seen a puddle on the road while driving, but when approaching, there is no water at all. The puddle seen turns out to be just an empty road, making it a deceptive optical illusion.
This visual phenomenon of seeing a puddle on the road when there is none is called a mirage, an optical illusion caused by hot air that bends light, making it appear as if water is on the road.
Seeing this puddle illusion affects drivers in the following ways:
- Leading to wrong decisions and causing confusion.
- Causing blurred vision, eye strain, and irritation.
- Resulting in fatigue from increased concentration.
To cope with driving in hot weather, be cautious and mindful. Look broadly at the road instead of focusing on a single point. Wearing sunglasses can help filter light and reduce eye strain. Most importantly, stop and rest your eyes for at least 15 minutes if they feel tired.
Information provided by the Department of Land Transport.