Below we’ve put together list of tips that can help disabled drivers stay safe and avoid accidents when driving in bright sunlight. Sun-blindness results in numerous traffic accidents every year on American roads, but taking sensible precautions can help keep you safe while driving in bright sunlight.
Sunny weather is enjoyable to drive in. Many of us love driving on the open road with the bright sun beating down and illuminating the surrounding landscape. Sunny weather is perfect for roadtrips and adventures.
For these reasons, roads are often busiest in sunny conditions. People tend to travel to beaches, forests, and vacation spots more when the sun is out. It’s important that disabled drivers know how to keep safe when driving in bright sunlight.
What Should You Do When You Are Driving In Bright Sun Or Sun Glare?
How can you protect yourself from the sun while driving? You can protect yourself from bright sunlight by:
- Wearing sunglasses and/or a hat
- Wearing sunscreen
- Wearing long sleeves and trousers if you are on a motorcycle
How do you reduce glare when driving? Glare is the sensation that causes squinting and makes it difficult to see in the presence of bright light such as direct or reflected sunlight. Other causes of glare are vehicle headlights and camera flashes. Glare can cause momentary blindness and is very dangerous while driving.
You can reduce glare when driving by:
- Wearing polarized sunglasses
- Using your vehicle’s sun visor
- Fixing chips or cracks in your windshield (these can reflect sunlight and cause glare)
- Not keeping shiny objects on the dash (these reflect sunlight and cause glare)
Here are six more tips to keep you safe when driving in bright sunlight.
1. Wear Sunglasses
Should you wear sunglasses while driving? Yes, wearing polarized sunglasses can reduce or eliminate glare and improve visibility when driving in bright sun.
2. Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Bright sun can burn the skin, causing pain and health complications. Protect yourself when driving in the sun by using sunscreen, long sleeves, and/or a hat. This is especially important if you’re driving a motorcycle or in a convertible vehicle. Remember that the wind can make it feel like you are cool, even when you’re being subtly burned!
3. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Prepared For Hot Weather
If you are driving in hot and sunny weather, make sure your vehicle is prepared and ready for hot weather conditions. Before you travel in hot weather you should:
- Check your vehicle’s tire pressure, coolant system, radiator, and pressure cap
- Check hoses and belts for signs of blisters, cracks, and wear
- Check fuel, water, and coolant levels and look for leaks
4. Keep Essential Safety Equipment In Your Vehicle
Stay safe when driving in bright sunlight by having all of the following safety equipment in your vehicle in case of emergency:
- Coolant fluid
- Oil
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- First aid kit
- Spare medication if necessary
- Antihistamines
- Cell phone and car mobile phone charger
- Flashlight and batteries
- Reflective triangles and a reflective vest
- Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench
- Tool kit
- Jumper cables
- Fire extinguisher
- Duct tape
- Windshield washer fluid
5. Practice Defensive Driving
It’s crucial to practice safe defensive driving when driving in sunny weather. Defensive driving involves:
- Having safety as your top priority
- Avoiding distractions
- Staying fully aware of your surroundings
- Never relying on good driving from other road users
- Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you
- Driving within the speed limit
6. Beware Of Holiday Drivers And Vacation Traffic
Often when the sun is shining, people go for vacations or leisurely holiday drives. Roads can be busy when the sun is out and people may drive erratically and irresponsibly. Keep yourself and your passengers safe during these times by taking extra care and never trusting other drivers to do the right thing. Expect the unexpected, even when driving in sunny weather.
How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit
You can get a disabled parking permit quickly and easily. The first step is to have a consultation with a medical professional using an online telemedicine app.
Once the medical professional has verified your suitability for disabled parking, they will sign an application form and email it to you. You should then complete the form and submit it to your local disabled parking authorities.
Featured image by Darwin Vegher on Unsplash