BRIGHT sunlight can cause a strong glare across a car’s windshield which can distort a driver’s view of the road and failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead could leave drivers with a £1000 fine and 3 points on their license.
Andy Alderson, Chief Executive of Vanarama said that if drivers are not prepared for driving in bright sunlight, they could put themselves and other road users in danger.
He added: “To prevent being dazzled by the sun when driving, motorists should check their windscreen is clean before setting off, wear polarised sunglasses, and keep a safe distance from other drivers when the sun is distorting their view.”
To help motorists this summer, Vanarama has put together their best safety tips for driving in bright sunlight:
1. Keep your windscreen clean
You must keep your windscreen clean in the summer months. A dirty windscreen can magnify the sun’s glare making it harder to see the road. Before heading out on car journeys in the sun, you should clean both the interior and exterior of their car windscreen. Checking that they are free of any dirt and debris.
2. Leave extra space between you and the car in front
When bright sunlight causes a glare across the windscreen which lowers visibility of the road, you should slow down and create extra space between you and the car in front. This will give you more time to assess the road situation. If drivers feel like they do not have full control of the situation they should pull over when safe to do so.
3. Keep screen wash topped up
Another thing you should check before setting off is that your screen wash is topped up. So that you can wipe away any streaks or dirt on the windscreen which you spot during the drive. All-weather screen wash is a great option for the summer months.
4. Use your sun visor
Visors will reduce the amount of sun that is blocking your vision when driving. Using the visor also helps your eyes adjust when driving in shade after driving in bright sunlight. Drivers should familiarise themselves with their visor, figuring out which angles it can be placed to block out the sun from different angles.
5. Use polarised sunglasses
In some cases, a sun visor can’t block all the sun from entering your vision. So, you should always have a pair of sunglasses with you when driving in sunny conditions. Polarised lenses are a safer option over normal lenses as they are more effective at combating sun glare. They filter out the incoming horizontal light that causes glare only allow in vertical light that improves visibility.
6. Take breaks and stay hydrated
If you’re planning on embarking on a long drive in the sun you should ensure you plan your route so that you have scheduled stops. This will allow your eyes to have a break from the bright sunlight and readjust. Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the drive to prevent dehydration side effects caused by the hot weather.
7. Consider getting tinted windows
Another way to combat bright sunlight is by getting your windows tinted. Getting all your vehicle’s windows tinted costs in total on average £350. Not only do tinted windows combat bright sunlight they also combat low sun in winter and help keep your car cooler in hot weather.
