When the sun is low on the horizon, especially during sunrise or sunset, it can shine straight into your eyes, turning a familiar road into a dangerous blur. Studies show that bright sunlight and glare can increase the risk of a life-threatening car crash by up to 16%. It’s a serious safety hazard that affects drivers across Ohio.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our Cleveland car accident lawyers have seen firsthand how sun glare contributes to crashes that could have been avoided. If you’re driving into the sun, preparation and caution are critical.
Put these six tips into practice while driving to reduce your risk and protect yourself and others on the road.
1. Keep Your Windshield Spotless
A dirty windshield magnifies glare, scattering sunlight and making it even harder to see. Smudges, dust, and streaks can catch the light and blur your vision. A clean windshield gives you a clearer view and reduces the intensity of sun glare.
Tips:
- Clean the inside and outside of your windshield regularly.
- Replace worn wiper blades.
- Keep your washer fluid topped off for quick cleanups on the road.
2. Wear Polarized Sunglasses
Standard sunglasses can dim the light, but polarized lenses reduce glare. They help block the horizontal rays that bounce off windshields, hoods, and roads, giving you sharper contrast and better clarity.
Tips:
- Keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in your car year-round.
- Choose a wraparound style to block peripheral glare.
3. Use Your Sun Visor
Your car’s built-in sun visor is a quick and reliable way to shield your eyes from blinding sunlight. Flipping it down when the sun is at eye level can block intense light without limiting your overall visibility.
Tips:
- Adjust the visor’s position to block sunlight without creating a blind spot.
- Use side visors or visor extenders if glare comes from your peripheral view.
4. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance
When you can’t see clearly, you have less time to react. Easing off the gas gives you a better chance to react when traffic ahead suddenly changes.
Tips:
- Increase your following distance by a few seconds when driving into the sun.
- Reduce your speed to accommodate poor visibility conditions.
5. Turn On Your Headlights Even During the Day
When the sun is in your eyes, it also affects other drivers. Daytime headlights can make your vehicle more visible.
Tips:
- Turn on your headlights during low-angle sunlight, even in daylight hours.
- This makes your car more visible to others, reducing the risk of a collision.
6. Avoid Driving During Peak Glare Hours
If your schedule allows, try to avoid driving when the sun is lowest and most blinding, typically within an hour after sunrise and before sunset.
Tips:
- Use a navigation app like Waze that has real-time traffic and weather updates to help plan a glare-free route.
- If you know you’ll be driving east in the morning or west in the evening, adjust your schedule slightly.
Sun Glare Won’t Protect you from Liability
It’s important to understand that you can still be held legally responsible if you cause a crash while blinded by the sun. Drivers are expected to adjust to road conditions, including bright sunlight, just like in rain or snow.
Failing to take precautions in sun glare conditions may be considered negligence. If you hit another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist because you couldn’t see them, you could be liable for their injuries and damages.
After a Crash, Know Your Rights
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by another driver who failed to take proper precautions against sun glare. Our experienced Cleveland car accident lawyers can investigate what happened, gather evidence, and help you pursue a fair recovery.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Sun glare is a common hazard, but it doesn’t have to result in a crash. Cleaning your windshield, wearing polarized sunglasses, and driving cautiously can lower your risk.
And if someone else’s lack of preparation caused your accident, we can help. Contact our Cleveland car accident lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll make sure you’re not left in the dark when it comes to your legal rights.
