As autumn begins, the sun’s position in the sky shifts, often creating a low, blinding glare during the early morning and late afternoon. This can make driving particularly hazardous, as the bright sunlight can impair vision, hide obstacles, and even lead to dangerous situations on the road. At Autoblend, we believe in ensuring that drivers stay informed and safe behind the wheel. Here are some practical tips to help you drive safely when the sun is low in autumn.
1. Wear Polarised Sunglasses
One of the most effective ways to reduce glare is by wearing polarised sunglasses. These are specifically designed to filter out horizontal light waves, which cause glare, without reducing your overall visibility. Keeping a pair handy in your car ensures you’re prepared when the sun hits its blinding low angle.
2. Keep Your Windscreen Clean
A dirty windscreen can intensify glare, making it even harder to see the road ahead. Smears, dust, and grime scatter sunlight, causing distractions and further reducing visibility. Regularly clean both the inside and outside of your windscreen to avoid this issue. Using anti-glare cleaning solutions can provide an extra layer of clarity.
3. Use Your Sun Visor
Your car’s sun visor is there for a reason—make use of it! While it won’t block out the sun entirely, it can significantly reduce the intensity of the glare, allowing you to maintain better visibility. Adjust it as needed to shield your eyes without obstructing your view of the road.
4. Leave Extra Space Between Vehicles
When the sun is low and visibility is reduced, reaction times can be slower. Keeping a greater distance between your car and the vehicle ahead allows more time to react to sudden stops or unexpected movements. A good rule of thumb is to double the usual gap between cars when visibility is compromised by glare.
5. Adjust Your Driving Speed
Driving more cautiously when the sun is low can prevent accidents. If you find that the glare is making it hard to see the road clearly, it’s a good idea to slow down and be extra vigilant, especially in areas where pedestrians, cyclists, or animals might be present.
6. Plan Your Route
If possible, try to plan your route to avoid driving directly into the sun. While this isn’t always feasible, adjusting your timing or choosing roads with more tree cover or buildings might help reduce the direct impact of low sun glare.
7. Use Dipped Headlights
While it might seem counterintuitive to use headlights when the sun is bright, switching on your dipped headlights can help others see you more easily. In situations where glare might also be affecting other drivers, this can make a significant difference to your safety and theirs.
8. Check Your Windscreen Wipers
Autumn often brings wet weather along with low sun, which can quickly lead to streaks and smears on your windscreen. Ensuring your windscreen wipers are in good condition will help keep your view as clear as possible when driving through rain and glare.
9. Stay Focused
Finally, remain extra focused when driving in these conditions. Avoid distractions, and keep both hands on the wheel to ensure you’re prepared to react to any situation quickly. Low sun glare can obscure hazards, so staying alert is crucial for spotting them in time.
Driving when the sun is low and blinding can be challenging, but with these tips, you can improve your safety and confidence on the road. At Autoblend, we want to help you enjoy the journey while staying protected, no matter the season. Remember: preparation and awareness are key to staying safe in autumn’s dazzling, low sun.