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Dealing with low sun: tips from IAM RoadSmart

Blog post posted on 16/02/21 |
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Advice

With spring on the way the sun is rising earlier. So, if you are making an essential journey, being dazzled by the sun can be a major and potentially risky distraction.

Even though there are many tools that can help protect drivers and riders from the glare, they often get overlooked. So IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standard Richard Gladman has these useful tips on how to stay safe on the road when the glare of the sun is at its peak.

  • Keep your windscreen clean both inside and out; a dirty screen will magnify the glare.
  • On the outside, check for chips or cracks. Replace worn wiper blades and make sure your washer bottle is kept well topped up with good quality screen wash to help remove any wayward insects.
  • Keep a cloth or chamois to wipe away the dirt that builds up on the inside.
  • Use your sun visor. It may sound obvious, but a surprising number of people forget and often don’t realise the visor can help with glare from the side windows.
  • Invest in polarised sunglasses, specialist driving ones are available. Remember to take a rest, your eyes will strain quickly if you are squinting. Read our sunglasses tips for more information.
  • If you are dazzled by the sun, slow down and leave extra space between yourself and the driver ahead. This will give you more time to assess the situation and make sure you stay safe.
  • Remember that when the sun is low behind you, you might be able to see just fine, but oncoming drivers might not see you, make sure you give them extra space where possible.

Richard said: “By keeping the screen clean and your view shaded where possible, you will give yourself the best chance of staying safe. If you are wearing sunglasses, bear in mind that the protection they offer will be magnified by any tinted windows make sure you can still see properly out of the side windows and remember to keep them clean – it’s amazing how distorting a build of residue from handling can be. Be ready to take them off in tunnels or shaded areas but keep them close to hand.” 

Do you want to find out more ways to stay safe on the road? Try our Advanced Driving Course and get the best out of yourself and your car.