How to Drive in the Glaring Sun

According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, driving with glare causes nearly 100,000 crashes annually And these accidents caused by driver distraction or inability to see resulted in 71,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths in 2017.

Driving towards the sun can be a very uncomfortable situation. Though there is beautiful scenery on a sunny day, the glaring sun can compromise a driver’s view. The sun can shine directly in your eyes just after sunrise and before sunset.

It is important to be aware of this added risk drivers encounter when it is harder to see the road ahead. The bright sun may be unavoidable, but there are safety tips you can take to prevent accidents and injuries that result from it.

If you’ve been injured in an accident as a result of another driver’s negligent actions, contact the Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law. Our team of auto accident lawyers is here to help.

Use Your Visor

Most cars are equipped with at least one visor on the driver and passenger sides. You are usually able to position the visor to block the sunlight from the front, as well as the side windows. The sun visor is one of the most important ways you can prevent the sun from compromising your view.

You may increase its effectiveness by purchasing additional mini-visors that are available at auto supply stores. An adjustable visor can help you fill the gap that the main visor does not cover.

Driver Error

Needless to say, drowsy driving also increases the risk of driver error. More than one in three drivers has fallen asleep at least once while driving, making car accidents much more likely. Drowsy drivers drifting in and out of sleep may cross into other lanes or drive off the road.

Some drowsy drivers even experience a phenomenon known as micro-sleep, defined as short, involuntary instances of inattention. A driver may experience micro-sleep for only 4 to 5 seconds, but at highway speeds, vehicles travel the length of a football field in this short time.

Over the past five years, drowsy drivers were involved in approximately 20 percent of all fatal crashes due to driver error. And these drivers were 65 percent more likely to make errors overall.

Keep Your Car Clean

These driving accidents have resulted in more than 71,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities. The sun can reflect off items that are on your dashboard. Use your glove compartment to avoid a messy dashboard, preventing glare on your windshield.

Keeping your windshield clean is crucial for improving your visibility while driving. The sun can refract and scatter when your windshield is grimy on the inside and outside. Clean glass is easier to see out of whatever the weather conditions may be. You may benefit from cleaning your windshield before a trip. Windshield fluid can leave drops that reflect the sun until dried up.

It’s likely that the vision of the drivers around you is also being compromised by the glaring sun. When visibility is an issue you should reduce your speed, and avoid tailgating the car in front of you.

You may also want to consider wearing sunglasses when the sun is bright. Absolutely perfect visibility while driving is rare, as weather conditions change seasonally. If you make the proper adjustments, you can minimize additional risks that come with the glaring sun.

Auto Accident Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona

The consequences of distracted driving in the sunlight can be deadly. If you’re feeling like it’s not safe to drive, avoid getting behind the wheel.

And if you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, contact our Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law. Contact us at (623) 562-3838 for a free consultation and no-hassle legal aid today.

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