Why is sun glare dangerous?
Just after sunrise and before sunset the sun can shine directly into drivers’ eyes, leaving many motorists driving with a glare. This glare can make it much harder to see the road ahead and potential hazards creating an added risk to drivers. Drive with your headlights on to increase your visibility to other drivers.
What is the problem with sun glare?
When the sun is low in the horizon, the angle of the direct sunlight creates a strong glare across the windshield. The bright light can cause temporary blindness that distorts traffic control devices and makes it difficult to see the cars around you.
How many crashes a year are caused by the sun?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sun glare is the main cause of only a few hundred accidents in the United States every year; however, this figure has been estimated to be widely under-reported by road safety organizations like AAA.
How does sun glare affect driving?
The sun glare adversely affects the perception of road conditions leading to faster fatigue and reduction of driver’s performance. Sun glare leads to distortion of the road conditions, and in some cases the driver is so blinded by the sunlight that he or she does not perceive the objects located ahead.
Can sun glare damage your eyes?
Your eyes can be damaged from ultraviolet rays. In particular, UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun can cause short- and long-term damage to your eyes and affect your vision. Although the sun also emits UV-C radiation, those rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and don’t damage your eyes.
How many accidents occur due to sun glare?
One recent study has shown that serious car accidents increase by 16% when it’s very sunny and glare is present. Another study has shown that as many as 9000 accidents relating to sun glare occur each year! That’s more than caused by icy roads.
Why is sun glare worse in fall?
During the fall and winter months, the sun is naturally lower in the sky. Therefore when light hits the surface, it will also reflect that at a lower angle than it does in the summer, when the sun is much higher in the sky. Sun glare is also a little more dangerous when the sun sets behind you.
How can I protect my face from sun while driving?
Long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, or even a lightweight scarf can keep your skin protected. Especially if you are driving or riding in a convertible, be sure to wear a wide-brim hat (ideally 3 inches all around) to protect your face, ears, neck, and scalp.
Why is glare bad for your eyes?
Bright reflections and glare can cause irritation, eye strain and overall discomfort to the eyes. Keeping our eyes protected is important for people of all ages. Eye protection means healthy eyes for years to come. Talk to your optometrist and eye care team about the benefits of a specialized lens for your eyes.
How can I reduce eye glare?
Polarized shades can keep your eyes safe from certain types of glare, like reflections from water.
- Vehicle visor. Use this to keep direct sunlight out of your eyes.
- Lenses. Ask your eye doctor about special types that can help reduce glare and correct eye problems.
- Fix your vision.
- Get rid of cataracts.
Can the sun cause car accidents?
But studies show sunny days can be even more hazardous. One recent study has shown that serious car accidents increase by 16% when it’s very sunny and glare is present. Another study has shown that as many as 9000 accidents relating to sun glare occur each year! That’s more than caused by icy roads.
How many car accidents are caused by sun glare?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that sun glare causes a few hundred accidents per year, domestically. This figure could actually be quite low, since often it will not be listed as the sole cause of the accident.
What happens when you drive into the Sun?
Just after sunrise and before sunset the sun can shine directly into drivers’ eyes, leaving many motorists driving with a glare. This glare can make it much harder to see the road ahead and potential hazards creating an added risk to drivers.
Can you see in the Sun in a car accident?
Driving home from work, the road meanders through gentle curves and then BAM!, you find yourself driving due west, directly into the blinding sun. You can’t see a thing and your only strategy is hope — that you don’t hit a car, bicyclist, or pedestrian before you can safely see again. But what if hope fails you?
Can a driver be liable for the Sun?
The answer is no. Though many believe God created the sun, according to the Book of Genesis, drivers cannot try to avert liability under an ” Act of God ” clause. Driver’s are expected to use reasonable care in operating their vehicle at all times, and this includes sunrise and sunset, which, by nature, are reasonably predictable.