Picture it: you’re driving in the afternoon. All of a sudden, you go around a sharp turn and boom-; the angle of the sun shifts, and now there’s bright light glaring through the windshield. You press the brake and try in vain to squint as hard as you can or look around the visor, but it’s no use. Does that entire scenario sound all-too-familiar? Driving into the sun while trying to prevent sun glare can be incredibly difficult and extremely dangerous, too. Here are eight proven ways you can help make the sun’s rays less of a distraction while driving, making it safer to drive and easier to see, too.
1. Get Window Tints
Getting the windows tinted is one of the best ways to reduce sun glare while driving. For those in Arizona who need window tinting, you can get some help from Smart Film AZ. They’re the leading providers for window tint and auto film in Mesa, AZ, and the surrounding communities. All of their skilled technicians have industry-leading technology and years of experience to provide a smooth, bubble-free tint every time to help reduce the worst of the sun.
2. Invest in Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a necessary investment to help reduce sun glare. In fact, a recent study has shown that the occurrence of major car accidents increases by about 16% when the sun is extremely bright. Polarized sunglasses have a special chemical coating that forms a protective barrier against the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can significantly cut sun glare, making it easier to drive.
3. Clean Your Windshield Regularly
This is one thing that many drivers neglect. Keeping the windshield clean on the inside and the outside is extremely important. Think about when you take your cell phone into bright sunlight-; when there’s dust or spots on the screen; it makes it much harder to see. This same principle applies to the windshield, so make sure to clean it regularly.
4. Check for an Alternative Route
Eliminate the sun’s glare entirely by taking another route altogether. If it’s at all possible to avoid driving directly into the sun on your way to or from work, it’s worth it, even if it means driving a few extra miles.
5. Plan to Drive When the Sun Isn’t as Bright
Another technique goes hand in hand with tip number four-; try to avoid the sun totally by planning your driving when the sun isn’t at its brightest. Generally, midday is when there’s a lot of glare, and then when the sun sets, it can be very bright as well. Try to avoid driving at those times of day if you can help it.
6. Use the Sun Visors
This may sound obvious, but some people forget to use their sun visors when they drive. Ensure that they function correctly and cover the areas they’re supposed to, which is extremely important. With the sun visors down, the sun won’t be as bright or directly in your face while driving.
7. Slow Down
One important way to reduce the danger from the sun’s rays is to slow down. If you’re driving fast and turn a corner into a bright glare, it can be extremely hazardous. When you anticipate driving with the sun directly on your face, slow down!
8. Use the 10 per 10 Rule
A good rule of thumb when driving: keep ten feet of space (about a car length) for every ten mph of speed you’re traveling between you and the car in front of you. Tailgating is dangerous, and it doesn’t allow a lot of space to stop. Use the 10 per 10 rule to avoid not having enough room to stop or slow down when the sun glare is at its worst.
Use These 8 Methods to Reduce Sun Glare While Driving
The bright glare and light from the sun are some of the most dangerous and distracting things to deal with when driving. However, a few methods can help reduce the distraction level and make it a little easier to see and to drive, even when the sun is at its highest in the sky.
Try getting a window tint and invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses, and don’t drive when the sun is bright if at all possible. By using these eight methods, you can help reduce the worst of the sun’s glare, making it much easier and safer to drive.
