TIPS FOR AVOIDING A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT CAUSED BY BRIGHT SUNSHINE

With all the rain that Californians have put up with this year, it may be hard to believe that we usually enjoy some of the best weather in the United States. On most days, we are battling the right sunlight when we are driving. However, bright sunshine can be as dangerous of a driving condition as rain, smog, snow, or fog. Sun glares can temporarily blind you to the traffic and the road ahead. If the sun hits a building or another vehicle just right, you could be driving “blind.”

To help avoid an accident caused by the bright sunlight or a temporary sun glare, follow these simple tips.

Ways to Reduce the Glare Caused by Sunshine

• Keep your windshield clean. Windshields can become dirty very quickly, even if you do not drive often. A windshield that has dirt buildup, haze, or smudges can amplify the effects of sun glare. Use a good glass cleaner to keep your windows clear from dirt and smudges — keep some in your vehicle for long trips or unexpected incidents.
• Wear your sunglasses. Sunglass can help block the intensity of the sun, especially ones that have polarized lenses. A good pair of sunglasses can give you the protection you need to see the road safely even when you encounter sun glares. Make sure if you wear prescription glasses, you have your sunglass prescription updated each time you change lenses.
• Use the vehicle’s visors. Visors are not storage units. Visors can be adjusted to help block the sun and increase visibility while driving. Adjust the visor and switch the position of the visor (from front to side) as needed to block the sun from getting into your eyes.
• Make yourself easier to see. It may sound crazy to use your headlights in bright sunshine; however, it can help another driver see your vehicle. Many vehicles now have running lights that remain on as long as the vehicle is in operation.
• Allow more distance. When the sun is bright and sun glares are common because you are driving in areas with many surfaces that can reflect sunlight (i.e. downtown office buildings or congested traffic), slow down and put more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. The extra space gives you more time to slow down or stop if necessary to avoid a collision.

Call a Sacramento Accident Attorney

You cannot control sun glare, but you can take precautions to reduce your risk of causing an accident because of sun glare. We want everyone to remain safe while using our roads in and around Sacramento.

However, if you are injured, we want to help you fight for full compensation for your damages from the driver who caused the accident. We are here to help you ensure you are treated fairly and justly by the insurance company for the other driver.

Call the Sacramento injury lawyers of the Tiemann Law Firm for a free consultation and no-obligation case evaluation. You can reach our law firm by telephone at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.  Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.