Although glare problems persist all year round, during the winter it’s particularly noticeable because the sun is low in the sky. Whilst it may be cold, this winter sun can
pose a real hazard to drivers as the glare can temporarily blind drivers as 23.5% of London drivers find driving in this weather unsafe.

In the study by
ATS
Euromaster, it was revealed only 39.5% of drivers reduce their speed when there is sun glare. Not only is It important to slow down but failure to have proper
control of a vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead could leave drivers with a £1,000 – £5000 fine and three points on their licence.

Across the UK, younger drivers (18-24s) are most affected by sun glare whilst driving with more than a third of young drivers finding driving in this weather very unsafe.

From tinted windows to fixing your windshield,
Simon Waye, technical engineer at ATS Euromaster
has provided 6 tips to help you drive safely and avoid heavy fines.

1.
Tinted windows

One of the best things you can do is to tint your car windows. This will help to
reduce excess heat and glare from the sun by reflecting the sun’s rays away from the interior of the car and
will make it easier to see. Make sure to check the legal tint limit to avoid fines.

2.
Sunglasses for driving.

If you don’t want to tint your windows, or if the glare is still too much, you can try wearing a pair of sunglasses. Polarised lenses are a safer option over normal lenses
as they are more effective at combating sun glare. An important thing to note is there are 2 essential requirements in lenses used for driving:

·
Vision must remain clear.

·
Sufficient light to let you see properly must get to your eyes.

3.
Keep your windscreen clean.

You must keep your windscreen clean in the winter months. A dirty windscreen can magnify the sun’s glare making it harder to see the road. Before going out on car journeys
in the low sun, clean the interior and exterior of the car windscreen, checking that they are free of any dirt, fingerprints, and marks. Make sure to check your wiper blades
for signs of wear and tear by having your car annually serviced.

4.
Fix Any Chips or Cracks in Your Windshield.

In addition to being clean, your windshield should also be smooth and free of imperfections. Any chips and cracks on your glass are not only unsafe but the sunlight bouncing off all the
broken edges has the potential to create some serious glare

5.
Leave a greater distance

It is essential to leave extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you when driving in bright sunlight. Bright light greatly reduces your visibility and response time.

6.
Use your sun visor.

Most car sun visors are extendable and can be pulled down and to the side to protect the driver’s eyes from bright sunlight to the side of the car. Using the visor also helps your eyes
adjust when driving in shade after driving in low sunlight. Drivers should familiarise themselves with their visors, figuring out which angles can be placed to block out the sun from different angles.