During the Winter months, there are a lot of things to be wary of as a motorist. Snow and ice on the road is probably the first thing you think of when you think of Winter driving, and the need to make sure that your car is prepared for the Winter driving conditions by making sure a professional company such as Gloucester MOT company, Swift Fit checks that it is working as it should be. One thing people don’t always consider as a Winter driving hazard is the sun.
The sun doesn’t rise as high as it does in the Summer sky. Not only that, but it rises later and sets earlier, meaning that for many people, the chances are they will be driving to or from work during sunrise or sunset. The low sun is responsible for many accidents during this part of the year as visibility is reduced, due to drivers being dazzled by the sun, or the suns glare on their windshield.
One of the most essential things you can do to help yourself when the sun is low, is to keep your windshield clean. The glare is much worse on a dirty windshield, so clean it inside and out with a microfibre cloth and a cleaning product that is specifically for glass – or you could end up with smudges and smears which will make the glare even worse! Don’t forget your windscreen wiper blades – if the low sun is accompanied by rain, it is essential that they are in good working order!
The low sun can also be dangerous long-term for your eyes. DO NOT ever look directly at the sun and keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in your car at all times, as these are coated to help reduce glare and protect your eyes. It is worth buying a decent pair of sunglasses as you will benefit form more protection and better vision.
If you are struggling to see the road ahead, slow down. This will give you more time to see any hazards when visibility is poor, such as pedestrians. Be aware of your surroundings as safely as you can, and if you really feel unsafe, pull over in a safe place until visibility has improved. It is also worth considering using a different route, if there is a route shaded by tall buildings or trees, or with a road not heading directly into the sun it may be worth choosing this route – even if it adds a little time to your journey.
