Top tips for reducing glare when driving in bright sunlight

Use the right sunglasses 

Wearing sunglasses helps reduce the intensity of sunlight and minimizes glare caused by reflections such as sunlight bouncing off the road or other vehicles. Wearing the correct sunglasses also helps improve contrast and clarity, making it easier to see the road ahead.  

Glare reduction: Polarised lenses have a special filter that blocks intense, reflected light, known as glare. By reducing glare, polarised sunglasses enhance visibility and make it easier to see objects and details on the road. By minimising eye strain and discomfort caused by intense sunlight, it can ensure a more comfortable and safer driving experience. 

Improved clarity: The polarised filter in sunglasses helps to enhance visual clarity by reducing the scattering of light. This can result in sharper vision and better contrast, allowing you to see objects more clearly and distinguish between different elements on the road, such as road signs, traffic lights, and pedestrians.

Reduced eye strain: When driving in bright sunlight, your eyes may experience strain and fatigue due to squinting and constant adjustments to changing light conditions. Polarised sunglasses help to alleviate this strain by providing a more comfortable viewing experience.

Increased safety: By improving visibility and reducing glare, polarised sunglasses contribute to safer driving. They can help you better judge distances, detect potential hazards on the road, and react more quickly to sudden changes in the driving environment.

It's important to note that while polarised sunglasses offer these benefits, they may also have some limitations. For example, they can make it difficult to see certain LCD displays, such as those found on some car dashboards or GPS devices.

When it comes to buying polarised lenses, it’s advisable to buy a pair that have the ‘CE’ mark, as this means they’ve been tested to European safety standards.

Plan the route and timing 

The best time to drive to avoid sun glare is typically during the early morning hours or late afternoon. This is because the sun is lower in the sky and less likely to create blinding glare.

It is advisable to avoid driving during sunrise or sunset when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky and directly in front or behind you, as this can create intense glare and reduce visibility. Although not always feasible, if possible, plan your trips during these times.

Keep your distance 

Keeping a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you is always important, but it becomes even more crucial when driving in sun glare. Here are a few reasons why maintaining distance is essential in such conditions:

Reduced visibility: Sun glare can significantly impair your vision on the road, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles ahead. By keeping a safe distance, you allow yourself more time to react and make necessary adjustments to avoid accidents.

Longer braking distance: Sun glare may cause you to react slower to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. By maintaining a proper distance, you provide yourself with a longer braking distance, reducing the risk of rear-ending the vehicle in front of you.

Glare-related distractions: Sun glare can create distracting conditions, such as reflections on your windshield or dashboard. By keeping a distance, you can minimize the distractions caused by these glares and maintain focus on the road.

Potential sudden manoeuvres: In sun glare, drivers may make sudden manoeuvres or unexpected lane changes due to reduced visibility. By maintaining a safe distance, you can better anticipate and react to such manoeuvres, reducing the likelihood of collisions.

Reaction time: Sun glare can make it harder to notice brake lights or turn signals from the vehicle in front of you. By maintaining distance, you give yourself more time to react to these signals and prevent rear-end collisions. Remember, it is always crucial to adjust your driving behaviour according to the specific road and weather conditions you encounter, including sun glare.

Clean your windshield 

Clean windshields and windows contribute to overall driving safety by providing an unobstructed view, reducing glare, and ensuring that the driver can see the road clearly. It is essential for maintaining situational awareness and making informed decisions while driving. Keeping windshields and windows clean is important for better visibility, which is crucial for safe driving, especially when dealing with sun glare.

Windscreen damage can happen easily so it’s good to know we have you covered. You can find out more about windscreen cover from Zurich here.

Invest in a good quality glass cleaner that is specifically designed for car windscreens. Avoid using generic cleaners or household cleaners as they may leave streaks or residue.

Use a microfiber cloth that is gentle on the surface and does not leave any scratches. Avoid using paper towels or rough cloths as they can scratch the glass. You can also clean the wiper blades with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on them.

Check your visor 

Inspecting and maintaining sun visors is important to ensure their proper functioning and longevity.

Inspect the sun visors for any visible damages such as cracks, tears, or loose parts. Check the hinges and attachment points of the sun visors to ensure they are secure and functioning properly. Clean the sun visors regularly using a mild upholstery cleaner or a mixture of water and mild soap. Avoid using excessive force or pulling on the sun visor, as it may cause damage to the hinges or mounting points. Store the sun visors in the upright position when not in use to prevent them from getting damaged.

If you encounter any major issues or concerns with your sunroof or sun visors, it's recommended to consult a professional for inspection and repair.

Invest in window tinting 

Car window tinting is a good idea to reduce glare for several reasons including protection from the sun, increased visibility and privacy.

Overall, car window tinting is a good investment for those who want to reduce glare, increase visibility, and protect themselves and their car from the sun's harmful rays.

Reduce sun glare 

To help reduce sun glare you could also install sunshades on car side windows. These will protect from harmful UV rays, reduce heat and glare and protect the car interior. Sunshades are easy to install and remove, making them a convenient option for car owners who want to protect their car and passengers from the sun's harmful effects.

Slow down 

It is important to slow down when driving in sun glare because sun glare can significantly impair your vision and make it difficult to see the road and other vehicles clearly.

Sun glare can be particularly challenging when transitioning between shaded areas and bright sunlight. By reducing your speed, you can better adapt to these changes in lighting conditions without being caught off guard.

Pull over in a safe place 

It is important to pull over in a safe place, especially when driving in bright sunlight. Pulling over in a safe place allows you to take a break and wait until the sun's position changes, or until you find a better driving route with less glare.

Driving in bright sunlight can strain your eyes and cause fatigue, leading to decreased focus and reaction time. Pulling over in a safe place allows you to rest your eyes and prevent any potential accidents caused by reduced attention or drowsiness.

Conclusion 

Regardless of the conditions, its always advisable to check the weather, be prepared and plan your trip in advance, especially if taking a long journey. You can find out more about driving safely in various conditions here. Hopefully these tips help with a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

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