Controlling display of infrared image of vehicle surroundings

A device for improving the visibility from a motor vehicle comprises an infrared (IR) radiation source 2, irradiating the surroundings of the car or automobile, an infrared camera 3 for capturing images from around the vehicle, an image display 4 and controller 1. Control unit 1 operates to switch off or deactivate the display after expiry of a time period selected as a function of the collected image data. The time period for turning off the display may be dependant on the brightness or contrast of the image, and the display may be switched off gradually by a progressively decreasing the brightness or contrast, or increasing noise on the display. The IR camera and radiation source may also be switched off after a further predetermined time period. The display may by manually switched back on, via a steering wheel switch. The vehicle driver may be warned that the display will be switched off via a displayed signal.