Most people associate winter weather with dangerous driving conditions. It is no secret that snow and ice contribute to accidents, but spring comes with its fair share of hazards, as well.
For example, drivers must adjust to the changing daylight hours so they avoid accidents related to sun glare. This is particularly problematic when drivers behave negligently by speeding, driving under the influence or breaking other traffic laws.
You should be cautious when driving during dusk or dawn – when the sun is low in the sky. Unfortunately, nobody can control the actions of other motorists.
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, contact a Cedar Rapids accident attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. You may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills, lost income and other damages.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a consultation. You can also find information about accident claims in Iowa by visiting http://accident.usattorneys.com/iowa.
Read on to learn how to avoid accidents related to sun glare:
Dangers of Driving into Sunlight
The AAA reminds readers of the dangers of driving into sunlight. Sun glare can prevent drivers from seeing upcoming hazards, such as vehicles stopped in the road. The sun can also make it difficult to notice curves in the road, which can cause drivers to veer onto the shoulder and hit a guardrail, or worse. Sun glare often contributes to accidents with bicyclists and pedestrians.
Even a momentary glance at a bright sun can cause temporary blindness in parts of your vision. Avoid the temptation to look toward the sun – even if you think it is a particularly tranquil sunset. Fortunately, there steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of an accident due to sun glare:
Tips for Avoiding Accidents Due to Sun Glare
Wheels magazine offers several tips for staying safe on the road when the sun is particularly blinding:
- Always try to look ahead on the road and remain focused on your driving. Anticipating the sun can help you prepare for the bright glare.
- Purchase polarized sunglasses. These will help cut out the harmful rays and enable you to see more clearly in the sunlight.
- Use your vehicle’s visor to block as much of the sun as possible.
- Expect traffic ahead of you to slow down when you drive into the sun.
- Reduce your speed, but be careful not to slow down too quickly. This can cause the following driver to rear-end you. Avoid slamming on your brakes; rather, reduce your speed gradually.
- Increase your following distance.
Even if sun glare contributes to an accident, there is no excuse for reckless or negligent driving. For example, if a driver runs a stop sign and crashes into you, he or she may still be liable for your injuries.
A Cedar Rapids injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can help you navigate the claims process. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a consultation.