Brian Joss – Essential service drivers and those that return to work this week will likely be driving into a rising or setting sun as winter approaches. The blinding light from this, even for a few seconds, can have expensive or even tragic consequences for drivers.
The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, advises drivers to not be caught off guard by blinding sun by following a few tips.
Look at the different routes that you can take to your destination and try find one that heads directly into the glare as little as possible.
Alternatively, if you can, change the time that you leave to slightly earlier or later.
Wear polarised sunglasses to protect your eyes from blinding light.
Anticipate sun shining into your eyes before you drive around a corner or into another road and adjust your visor with time to spare Raising your seat can assist with reducing the glare.
Ensure your windscreen is clean inside and out, as the glare on a dirty window can severely reduce visibility.
Slow down. Always change your driving speed to suit the conditions not only the speed limit.
Leave greater following distances so that if the driver in front of you brakes suddenly you have time to react even if you do not immediately see it.
If you do not already automatically switch your headlights on as soon as you get in the car, take care to do so now.
Do not use high-gloss vinyl cleaners on your dashboard.
Being cautious can make all the difference. “Following the principles of defensive driving will give you the space and time for your eyes to adjust to sudden glare and take the necessary action to avoid any potential collisions. Most often, driving into the glare is unavoidable at this time of year, making it worth your while to be prepared,” says Herbert.
CAPTION: Being cautious: driving into the setting sun. Picture: Devin Avery/Motorpress
