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Driving Into The Sun

Posted in Blog  
Monday, June 30, 2014

driving into the sunWe’ve all experienced times when the sun shines so brightly that the glares from other objects and off the windshield hinder our driving. It can be any time from sunrise to sunset depending on what’s around you, but when the sun is low early in the day and later in the evening are particularly bad during clear summer days. There’s no doubt you’ll have to deal with driving during glaring hours, and driving into the sun can be risky if you’re not prepared. So here are a few tips to protect yourself when driving into the sun:

  • Invest in polarized sunglasses with UV protection. They can help reduce glare and still give you a very clear view.
  • Leave more following room. When the sun is in your eyes, it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. Make sure you have ample space to anticipate their movements and react to any changes in speed. This is one more time when it pays to leave more room between you and the next vehicle.
  • Don’t forget about your visor. It can be very helpful in blocking out the sun.
  • Drive with your headlights on to increase your visibility to others.
  • Keep your windshield clean, inside and out. A windshield with a film will refract light and make it harder to see clearly.
  • Check your windshield for pitting and cracks. They are a distraction anyway, but can also catch the light and shine brightly into your eyes.
  • Avoid storing papers or other items on the dashboard. Even a clean dashboard can have a negative effect if it is shiny.
  • If having a difficult time seeing the road, slow down and use lane markings to help guide you.

Rarely will visibility be absolutely perfect while driving, but making the proper adjustments can minimize any additional risks that come with less-than-optimal visual conditions.