Beware dangerous dazzle

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has warned that glare from the sun creates more dangers for drivers than driving at night or in bad weather. Latest government figures reveal that glare from the sun was a cause of 2684 injury crashes in 2009 – as many as headlamp dazzle and bad weather combined.

Following the clock change early on Sunday 31 October, rush-hour drivers will have to contend with the dazzle of the low sun, both in the morning and evening.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: “We can’t change the position of the sun, or the need to travel at certain times, but there are simple steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared for these conditions.

“Keep your windscreen clean, both inside and out. On demist, your heater blows traffic fumes, suspended oil and smoke onto the inside of the screen, and wet roads add dirt and scratches to the outside. Dirty windscreens add to the danger when the sun is low. If you can’t see, slow down accordingly, keeping an eye on the traffic behind, in case the following vehicle doesn’t see you against the sun.”

However, findings have also shown that headlamp dazzle is a danger that causes more injury crashes than mobile phone use.

Mr Greig continued: “We don’t think often enough about headlamp dazzle, and the figures show how dangerous it can be. Drivers must learn to expect it and how to cope with it.  Always dip your headlights when another car is approaching, and if someone is coming towards you on main beam, look away to the left of your side of the road, to avoid the temporary blindness caused by dazzle.”