 Beware of sun glare!
The rising or setting sun can present a dangerous situation for motorists by casting a glare that can temporarily blind them from other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, especially at intersections.
AAA has provided several tips that can help you manage these moments safely:
- "Invest in polarized sunglasses to help reduce glare.
- Utilize your sun visor – it can help to block the sun.
- Leave more following room – when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing. This is one more time when it pays to leave more room between you and the next vehicle.
- Drive with your headlights on to increase your visibility to other drivers
- Keep your windshield clean, inside and out
- Check your windshield for pitting and cracks
- Avoid storing papers or other items on the dashboard
- If having a difficult time seeing the road, use lane markings to help guide you."
Detroit News story on crash involving sun glare
Leave enough stopping distance
Your stopping distance can be affected by fatigue, how well you pay attention, the type and weight of your vehicle, the condition of your tires and brakes, the type of road surface and the weather.
Try to estimate how much time and space you have for stopping on either dry or wet pavement. A three- to four-second following distance is required. When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign or any other stationary point, calculate the time it takes you to reach the same spot by counting "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three."
You are following too closely if you pass the mark before you finish counting for three seconds. When speeds are increased, or during adverse driving conditions, increase your distance up to six seconds or more if necessary.
Wet pavement requires more stopping time and space. To make a smooth stop, increase pressure on the brake pedal gradually and just before you stop, reduce the pressure.
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