Sun Glare – Safety Tips When Driving at Sunset or Sunrise

In Vancouver we experience all kinds of weather from one day to the next, and these fluctuations can affect driving safety. We have some tips for safety solutions when driving with sun glare. Although Vancouver is not know for many sunny days, when we do get one it can be blinding while driving and sun glare can contribute to car accidents. All of us have experienced this at some point while behind the wheel of a car – the sun is rising, or setting, and its angle in relation to your car means that the sun is shining directly into your eyes. Not an ideal situation while you’re trying to navigate a motor vehicle through fast-moving traffic.The fact that this experience is common doesn’t make it any less sudden, or dangerous, but there are steps that you can take to protect yourself (and therefore, others) from the sun glare. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, glare is known to be one of the significant factors causing vision obstruction and be a threat to road safety. Based on this study the data indicates that glare from headlamps as well as sunlight is a contributing factor in car accidents.

Tips for driving into the sun and avoiding sun glare

1. Keep your windshield clean: As counter-intuitive as this might seem, the particles on a dirty windshield intensify the glare as opposed to blocking it. A film can also develop on the inside of the glass, making sunny days trickier. Make sure that both the interior and the exterior of your windshield are kept clean to minimize the glare.
2. Be mindful. One of the most dangerous attributes of sunrise/sunset glare is that it comes up so suddenly. However, it is up to you to make sure that you are prepared for it, so keep your eyes focused farther down the road, and be aware when you are turning into the sun.
3. Drive defensively. Adjust your speed when driving into the sun, and understand that other drivers may also slow down significantly, or even stop suddenly. Leaving a larger gap between you and the car in front of you will also help to keep everyone safe.
4. Keep a set of polarized sunglasses handy: These sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, and can just be kept in your car within reach for these occasions.
5. Additional visors – pulling your visor down to combat strong sun glare is an option available to all drivers, but you can also purchase additional, temporary visors to use. If you decide to use one, just be sure to test it out first, as they can also block your view as well.
6. Use headlights – even during very bright days, having headlights on can help you be more visible to other drivers.

What happens if I am in a car accident because of sun glare?

You are responsible for making sure that conditions are safe for you to drive. If the sun is a factor that is preventing you from driving safely, then it is up to you to pull off the road until you can proceed safely. If you do get into a car accident due to the sun’s glare, you will be responsible for any damages, so make sure that you proceed with caution. However, if another driver has not taken due care and has crashed into you because of the inability to see you should contact a Vancouver personal injury lawyer to help determine if you have an ICBC car accident injury claim.

Warnett Hallen LLP, rated by Georgia Straight readers in the top 3 “best lawyer to call when an accident strikes” is here to help. If you are injured in a car accident due to the sun’s glare, don’t hesitate to contact Vancouver car accident lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP. We can assess your situation, guide you with your ICBC claim, and help you settle for more.

Vancouver personal injury lawyers available 24/7 at 604-737-3300.