The most common times for car accidents are in the morning and during evening commute times. This is because there are more cars on the road but there are other reasons too. In winter months, these are the hours when the sun is most likely to be shining directly into a driver’s eyes. Today we are going to present you with some tips on how to drive safely when the sun is out. If you have already been in a car accident then we suggest you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Bright sunlight can significantly increase your chances of being in an accident
A recent study showed that the chances of being in a fatal car accident increase by 16% during bright sunlight. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that bright sunlight can result in visual illusions, it can hurt the eyes of the driver, and it can slow reaction times. This is why California drivers should take special precautions when the sun is shining brightly.
Get out your sunglasses
For many people, staying safe from the potential negative aspects of driving in bright sun is as simple as putting on a pair of sunglasses. They can work to lower the brightness level and also protect your eyes from the UV rays that can be harmful. We recommend keeping a pair of sunglasses in the car at all times so that you always have some on hand.
Use your sun visor
All modern vehicles are equipped with sun visors and these visors can make a big difference. Pull it down and position it correctly to block the rays of the sun when it shines on the front windshield or through the side windows. Visors are designed not just to block sun but to prevent visibility from being hindered.
Avoid driving in bright times of day
If you can, try to plan your morning commute or afternoon commute so that you are not driving when the sun is at its brightest. If you find yourself on the road, consider pulling over for a few minutes to let the sun completely rise or set. If you must drive, leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Remember that even if the sun is not in your eyes, it could be impacting the visibility of other drivers on the road.
Consider window tinting
For a few hundred dollars, you can have specialty tinting added to your windows. This is a great option to help block light but make sure you are not in violation of local or state laws. The auto body shop you go to for installation should give you information on what is legal and what is going too far.
If you do find yourself involved in an accident that happens during the sunniest times of year, please contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
