As a driver, you’ve probably experienced the horrible sun glares that blind you as you drive. You’ll squint and try to mitigate the glare so you can see, or may peer through your car’s windshield to get a better view of the road in front of you. Although glare from the sun can be annoying, it can also be hazardous.
When Are Sun Glares the Worst?
Right after the sun rises or before the sun sets is when sun glares are the worst. During this time, the sun can shine directly into your eyes, making it difficult to see the road. You may also have difficulty seeing other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards.
Strategies to Help with Sun Glare While Driving
Sun glares can be dangerous and frustrating. Use these different strategies to help mitigate the glare from the sun.
Keep Your Windshield Clean
Keeping your windshield clean is the first step to lessening the glare from the sun. Your windshield is your entire view of the road, so dirt and other debris can restrict your field of vision and can worsen during sunrise or sunset.
When the sun hits the windshield during sunrise or sunset, the glare highlights smudges and dirt on the windshield, which is usually when you find out there’s more dirt than you could see on the glass. Dirt and smudges can create a serious safety risk because it will be difficult to see the road.
If you take your car through a car wash regularly, such as once a week, you shouldn’t have to worry about excess dirt and debris collecting on your windshield making sun glares worse. Don’t forget to clean the inside and outside of your glass for the best results.
Turn Your Headlights On
Although it may seem like nonsense, turning your headlights on can help with sun glares. Turning on your car’s headlights helps you and other drivers. When your headlights are on, your taillights are also on, making it easier for the vehicle behind you to see your vehicle. The easier your vehicle is to see, the less likely you will be involved in an accident.
Wear Sunglasses
If the sun is hurting your eyes, or the glare from the sun becomes too much, put on a pair of shades. Keep a pair of shades in your car so you have them when you need them. If you want to purchase sunglasses, make sure they are polarized sunglasses. These sunglasses have a chemical applied to them that filters light, which means you can see your surroundings without straining your eyes. Also, don’t be afraid to use your car’s sun visor. Depending on the sun’s location, the visor can help block it out completely.
Decrease Your Speed
The ultimate goal here is safety. If the sun’s glare is too bad, decrease your speed. Although driving slowly won’t eliminate the glares, it allows you to keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the road by minimizing your risk of being involved in an accident.
When you decrease your speed, you have more time to pay attention to your surroundings and observe the vehicle in front of you. You can also be on the lookout for hazards and pedestrians when you’re not traveling at high speeds. You have time to make adjustments if needed.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
Regardless of how slow you’re traveling, if there isn’t enough space between your car and the car in front of you, and other cars on the road, you’re at more risk of being involved in an accident, possibly due to low visibility. Limited visibility negatively affects your depth perception, so ensure you have plenty of space to react and move accordingly.
Make Adjustments to Your Driving Routine
If you’re tired of dealing with sun glares regularly, you should consider changing your driving schedule if you can. If you don’t have to bother with sun glares, don’t put yourself through it! If you can start your commute a few minutes earlier or later, that’s perfect timing.
You can also consider adjusting your route. Although you’ll probably be traveling in the same direction, try finding an alternate route to get you to your destination. The alternate route may also be a longer trip, so keep that in mind.
Don’t Hesitate to Pull Over
If you can’t see, don’t risk your safety or the safety of other drivers on the road. Trying to win a battle against sun glares is one you can’t win. Find a safe area on the right side of the road and pull over until you can see the road and other drivers without any issues. It won’t take long for the sun to change positions.
Sun glares aren’t fun for any driver. Don’t let the sun’s glares get you down. Use the tips above to help you deal with sun glares and remain a safe and responsible driver. Stay safe and happy driving!