As the days continue to get longer, the sun sets later in the day. For most people, that means more time to enjoy being outside in the daylight. However, for drivers, the bright sun can cause a glare, which can make it difficult to see oncoming traffic, or to be able to tell if a traffic light is red or green. In some cases, sun glare can make it difficult for a driver to calculate the distance between their car and other vehicles in the vicinity.

Sun glare can cause serious car accidents, particularly at certain times of the day, including when the sun is rising and setting. In addition to using extra caution and slowing down when sun glare is a problem, there are a number of tips to keep in mind when driving on a bright sunny day.

Sun Glare Safety Tips

• Invest in polarized sunglasses. A pair of quality sunglasses are essential if you spend a spend a significant amount of time driving. They will not completely eliminate sun glare, but they will help a great deal.
• Keep your windshield clean. If your windshield is dirty, it can make the glare worse, because the dirt can cause the sunlight to refract. The windshield wipers can leave streaks, which can also reflect the sun, so it is recommended that you clean your windshield before you hit the road.
• Replace cracked windshields. Cracks in the windshield can also cause sunlight to scatter, making it difficult to see.
• Purchase a secondary visor. In addition to the car’s sun visor, consider buying an adjustable sun visor at your local auto supply store, or online. Be sure to purchase an adjustable one so that you can extend it to fill any gaps that your vehicle’s visor does not cover.
• Keep dashboard clean. The sun will reflect off any clutter that is on the dashboard, particularly if it has a shiny surface. Keep any important items in the glove compartment.
• Leave extra room between you and the other drivers in the vicinity. When you are experiencing visibility issues, do not travel too close to the car in front of you.
• Slow down. When there is extreme sun glare, drive the same way as you would during inclement weather, including snow, rain, or ice. Reduce your speed and use extra caution.
• Avoid peak glare times. The worst glare times tend to be during the morning and evening commute. Plan accordingly, and either leave 30 minutes earlier or later, or plan on a longer commute. Do not rush when driving into sun glare. Take your time and be safe to reduce your chance of being involved in a wreck.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Victims of Traffic Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Sun glare can be very dangerous and if the other driver involved did not take the appropriate precautions or was driving too fast for the conditions, we will hold that person responsible for your injuries. Our dedicated team will fight to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve, protecting your rights every step of the way. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.