During the winter months, the sun is one of the biggest risks to drivers; the low sun in the morning and afternoon can impair drivers’ vision at the busiest times of the day. Because turning bends when dazzled by the sun is so dangerous, most accidents caused by sun glare happen on A and B roads rather than motorways.
Just over 2% of all road incidents are caused by the sun impairing the driver’s vision. With around 180,000 accidents reported every year, the sun’s glare is responsible for over 3,000 road accidents annually, 36 of which are fatal. So how can you protect yourself, and other road users, from the sun’s glare?
Reduce your speed
Reducing your speed is common sense, but something most road users will choose to ignore because, despite its wisdom, they are in a hurry, or just convinced it won’t happen to them. Remember that the maximum speed limit is the maximum in ideal conditions. It doesn’t mean that you should drive at the upper limit all the time. If you are driving into the sun, or about to round a corner into the sun, drop your speed, avoid breaking suddenly, and be particularly vigilant at junctions. Simple, we know, but it could save lives.
Clean your windscreen
A clean windscreen is important at any time of the year, but it is even more crucial in bright sunlight. This is because smears, smudges and dirt reflects the sun’s light, making it even more difficult for you to see. Make sure your windscreen is smear-free and ensure that your washer fluids are topped up; if your wipers aren’t sufficient to get rid of stubborn marks, give your windscreen a wipe before setting off. If you have a chip or crack in your windscreen, see a local garage to find out about getting it fixed or replaced.
Use your visor and wear the right sunglasses
Get used to having your visor down while you are driving in the winter and adjust the visor to avoid glare to the side, too. Many of us tuck our glasses away until spring, but during the winter months, wearing the right sunglasses can literally save lives. Normal sunglasses may not be appropriate for driving as they are too dark; the dark tinting blocks out too much light, inhibiting vision. Look for polarised sunglasses that are designed to eliminate the sun’s glare, and choose from fixed tint, or variable tint glasses which don’t limit visibility. Glasses tend to be placed in one of four categories, from 0 (clear), to class 4 (very dark). By law, class 4 glasses must be labelled “not suitable for driving”; the ideal tint for driving is class 2, which lets in 43-80% of light while protecting your eyes from the sun.
Responsible driving is about vigilance and taking the relevant precautions to help you to avoid getting into potentially dangerous situations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are driving safely; if you are in any doubt about your car’s safety or roadworthiness, get in touch with a garage near you.