One of my favourite dash controls ever was the Saab “Night” mode. Very simple, one press and all of the backlight illumination was turned off except for the absolutely critical controls (speed, etc.).
Super useful for reducing distractions while driving at night. Most of the night driving I do today is polluted by light splashing off a central LED on the main console, or dynamic instrumentation on the dash itself. Match that with the blinding headlights manufacturers are wont to put in nowadays and it makes for a much more fatiguing night time driving experience.
I do wonder if it increased the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but I have no doubt that it improved night vision overall.
In my old Honda I removed every single dash light except for the clock and radio screen. Even the speedo/tach lights (driving stick makes to much easier to just "feel" your speed). Total bliss driving at night.
Super useful for reducing distractions while driving at night. Most of the night driving I do today is polluted by light splashing off a central LED on the main console, or dynamic instrumentation on the dash itself. Match that with the blinding headlights manufacturers are wont to put in nowadays and it makes for a much more fatiguing night time driving experience.
I do wonder if it increased the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but I have no doubt that it improved night vision overall.