The dangers of driving in the sun

Summer is quickly approaching, and temperatures on the whole are starting to pick up. For many people, this is a positive. For drivers, however, it is a potential hazard.

The sun is powerful and its glare can overwhelm the eyes. Why is driving in the sun dangerous and what steps can be taken to reduce the effects of the sun’s glare?

The danger of driving into the sun

How dangerous the sun is for drivers depends on weather conditions, time of day, driving direction and the overall position of the sun. For example, a sun largely covered by clouds is not as dangerous as one that isn’t. However, a sun that is positioned in the vicinity of the windshield, with no cloud cover, produces a strong glare.

A strong glare from the sun can be dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, it is a potential annoyance and distraction. A driver’s visibility may not be completely impaired, but they may find the sun annoying, which can preoccupy their mind and distracted them. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road traffic collisions in the U.S.

In more serious cases, the sun has the potential to temporarily blind a driver. If this happens when traveling at high speeds, the probability of an accident occurring is high — and numerous drivers may be affected.

How to reduce the sun’s glare

You can’t physically change the position of the sun or its glare, but you can take steps to reduce its impact and make yourself safer. Here are some factors to consider:

• Don’t drive when the sun is too bright
• Increase your following distance
• Use high-quality sunglasses
• Ensure that your windshield is clean

If you were injured by a driver who did not take safety precautions, you may be able to hold them to account via a personal injury claim.