Sun Glare When Driving - Low and Bright Sunlight

Sunshine, we all love it and it can make for a beautiful drive. However, when the sun is low in the sky and particularly bright, it can quickly turn into a hazard.

The problems occur when the glare from the sun starts to reduce the amount of visibility that you have. Making it harder to see other road users, traffic signals, and potential dangers.

Whether it is a dazzling sunrise on your morning commute, or the glare of a setting sun in the evening, it's important to take the right precautions to remain safe on the road.

Driving in Sun - Use Your Sun Visor

Your first port of call is a simple one. Your car’s sun visor is a useful and effective tool for blocking the sunlight directly.

It can be adjusted to shield your eyes from glare. In most vehicles you can also adjust it to sit on the side window to block the sun coming in from the side.

Use your sun visors as the first combatant as you try to reduce the glare without impacting on your own overall visibility.

Keep Your Windscreen Clean

Dirt, dust, and streaks on your windscreen scatter sunlight. Making glare even worse.

A clean windscreen improves visibility, so make sure to:

• Clean your windscreen regularly. Both inside and out.
• Top up your washer fluid on a regular basis so you can clean debris away on the go.
• Replace worn-out wiper blades. This helps to prevent streaks and smudges.

One thing to watch out for is small chips or scratches on your windscreen. They can also lead to a worsened glare. Get them repaired as soon as possible to improve visibility.

Bright Sunlight - Wear Polarised Sunglasses

One of the easiest and most effective ways to combat glare is a good pair of sunglasses.

Polarised lenses are especially useful. These reduce reflections and enhance contrast. Which makes it easier to see the road ahead.

When choosing sunglasses for driving:

• Look for polarised lenses to cut down on glare.
• Ensure they meet European safety standards (CE mark) for UV protection.
• If you wear prescription glasses, choose prescription sunglasses for clear vision.

Keeping a spare pair in your glovebox is a smart move for unexpectedly bright conditions.

Slow Down and Increase Distance

When sunlight affects your vision, your reaction time is slower.

Reduce your speed and leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead.

A good rule of thumb is to double your usual following distance in very bright and difficult driving conditions.

Drive With Your Headlights On

This may sound counterintuitive, but even when driving in daylight, by using your dipped headlights you can make your vehicle more visible to other road users.

This is particularly important if you're driving towards the sun, and oncoming drivers may find it hard to see your car.

Keep Your Dashboard Clutter-Free

Reflective objects on your dashboard, such as papers, phones, or metallic surfaces, can bounce sunlight into your eyes. Making glare even worse.

Keep unnecessary items stored away to minimise distractions and reflections.

Know When to Pull Over

If the glare from the sun is making it too difficult to see, don’t take unnecessary risks.

Find a safe place to pull over and wait until conditions improve.

It’s better to take a short break than to risk an accident.

Driving in Sun Glare Safety Tips

Driving in bright sunlight can be stressful.

However, by taking some simple precautions – such as wearing polarised sunglasses, using your sun visor, and keeping your windscreen clean - you can reduce the impact of glare. And stay in control on the road.

Remember - stay aware, adjust your speed, and give yourself extra time to react.