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Sun's Glare can be Dangerous…Even Deadly!
February 2006 - Eleven year old boy struck and killed. Crossing guard hit while directing traffic. Speeding car rammed into Indiana State Fair train. Aggressive driving? Drunk driving? How about…none of the above.
The sun's glare is one of the most overlooked dangers while driving during the day. Thousand of people are injured each year, some fatally as a result of glare. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 168 deaths were reported in 2002 due to the sun's glare although that number could be higher due to unreported accidents.
"Poor visibility due to sun glare is the suspected cause of many motor vehicle accidents," states Virginia Deputy Sheriff John McAlister. "Drivers should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of others on the road."
The best way drivers can minimize the sun's glare is to wear 100 percent polarized lenses. Polarized and anti-reflective lenses are particularly good for protecting the eyes from sun glare in the winter, but are also extremely beneficial year-round. Polarized lenses utilize polarized filtering technology to deflect and diffuse concentrated light waves. The filtering process eliminates 99 percent of the reflected glare.
In addition, the Vision Council of America (VCA) offers the following tips for motorists to help reduce the dangers caused by glare:
- Drive cautiously and leave a proper distance to ensure ample reaction time.
- Make it a habit to lower visors, to help block some of the reflected light.
- Avoid using high-gloss vinyl cleansers on dashboards.
- Keep the car windshield clean and the windshield washer fluid full.
- When possible, take an alternate route lined with tress or tall buildings in lieu of one with extreme glare.
- Turn on headlights to assist the possible poor visibility of oncoming drivers.
- Most importantly, wear sunglasses at all times. Even more important is to wear sunglasses with polarized lenses and UV protection.
The best way to protect your eye health is to have regular exams by your eye doctor. So before you get behind the wheel, check with an eyecare professional to ensure that you're wearing protective eyewear that fits both you and your lifestyle. For more information on driving safety, visit our Preventive Care section. And To find an eye doctor in your area, use our Doctor Locator to the left.