Flying blind towards the sun

Blendung durch tief stehende Sonne
Flying blind towards the sun
When the low sun is blinding, driving is more dangerous than driving in fog.

Drivers often underestimate the danger of glare when the sun is low in the sky. There is a danger when entering and exiting tunnels and underpasses or on bends. Traffic lights and traffic signs can be overlooked or not recognized in time. When the sun rises or sets in the morning or evening during rush hour, the risk of accidents while driving is particularly high.

Tips against glare when driving:

Keep windows clean

The windscreens should always be clean. Dirt and streaks cause diffuse scattered light. This leads to even greater glare from the sun. Regular and timely topping up of the wiper fluid helps to clean the windscreen while driving. A cleaning cloth should always be kept to hand so that the inside of the windscreen can also be regularly cleaned of moisture or dirt.

Keeping windshield wipers in good shape

If the windshield is not properly clean and the wiper blades leave streaks, visibility quickly becomes poor. Old wipers can also lead to scratches, in which the sunlight refracts.

 

Keep your distance and drive with foresight

Road users should always keep a sufficient distance and be particularly focused and anticipatory on the roads. This is because the car in front could also be dazzled by the sun - and react by braking suddenly.

Adjusted speed

Adapted speed is just as important, because even a few moments without visibility increase the risk of an accident. At 50 km/h, you cover a distance of just under 14 meters in one second. That means at least 14 meters of blind flying, because it can take considerably longer for the blinded eye to "focus" again.

Clean your sunglasses before driving

If you drive with sunglasses, you should clean them regularly. But beware: wearing sunglasses has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, sunglasses reduce glare, but on the other hand they also darken the darker surroundings. When the immediate glare situation is no longer present, the sunglasses should be removed again.

Switch on low beam or daytime running lights

Switching on dipped headlights or daytime running lights always increases your own visibility.

Upright sitting position

The correct seating position is also important. Many drivers sit too low so that the sun shines through under the sun visor. The seat should therefore be as upright as possible

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