Low sun can make driving safely more challenging, but the Institute of Advanced Motorists has released some tips on how to make it easier.
When the sun is low, driving safely can become more challenging as it can be difficult to see other cars and pedestrians. However, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has published some tips to make car journeys as safe as possible when the sun is bright.
Speed
Too much bright light can affect how you see things on the road, which means you must be driving at a pace that will allow the most stopping distance if an obstacle should appear suddenly.
If a low sun is affecting your ability to see clearly then it’s imperative that you slow down, even if the car behind is tailgating you. Furthermore, a driver should reduce their speed drastically when approaching sharp bends in these conditions.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just a fashionable accessory to be worn when strolling around – they also help stop low sun from beaming intensely through the windscreen.
Motorists should keep a pair in the car so they’re easily reachable when needed, but remember to take them off when driving in darker areas, like under a bridge or under the shade of trees.
Headlights
When driving before sunset you should always switch your headlights on to let other drivers know you’re there. The same applies when driving after sunrise. They should only be switched off when the light level rises and becomes consistent.
Mirrors
If you’re driving and the sun begins to shine into the car through the rear window, it is likely that it will reflect off the mirrors and dazzle you. When this happens, dip your mirrors and check over your shoulder to make sure your blind spot is clear.
Clean
Low sun will highlight any dirt and grime on your windshield, which can obstruct your view when driving. To stop this from happening, always make sure your washer bottle is filled with a quality screen washing liquid so any muck can be cleared away.
Avoid direct gazing
Although seemingly obvious, it is important that drivers avoid looking directly into the sun as this will significantly impact what you can see on the road ahead.
Low and sharp rays can make your eyes feel blurry and hazy – if this happens you should take a break from driving and only continue your journey when your vision has fully recovered.
Posted by Bob Fletcher