Sunshine: It’s usually something we welcome, especially in the spring. But when you’re driving into sunshine, your vision can be seriously compromised.

Just after sunrise and before sunset, the sun can shine directly into a driver’s eyes and create visual glare. This glare can make it much harder to see the road ahead and potential hazards, creating an added risk to drivers. When sun glare is an issue, slow down and use extra caution, especially while driving through school zones.

So how can you protect yourself? AAA offers these tips for motorists when driving into the sun:

• Invest in polarized sunglasses – they can help reduce glare.
• Utilize your sun visor – it can help to block out 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.
   

Additional tips:

• Keep your windshield clean, inside and out.
• Check your windshield for pitting and cracks.
• Avoid storing papers or other items on the dashboard.
• If you’re having a difficult time seeing the road, use lane markings to help guide you.
• Rarely will visibility be perfect while driving, but if motorists know this and make the proper adjustments, you can minimize any additional risks that come with less-than-optimal visual conditions.
   

AAA’s expert driver training instructors can prepare you or your teen to drive no matter the outdoor conditions.

AAA Driver Training