How to Reduce Driving Glare
Texting while driving or driving under the influence tend to get more publicity than other risks while driving, like driving glare, which typically stems from headlights and the sun. However, driving glare is still a formidable danger. Glare was even a possible contributing factor in a car accident involving a father and daughter in East Provide, RI. Learning how to reduce glare while driving could even prevent an accident.
Ways to Reduce Headlight Glare
Fog lamps help improve visibility when conditions are misty, hazy or foggy. But they can also cause glare to other drivers when used on clear nights or aimed incorrectly. In fact, regular headlights aimed improperly can also result in glare and might not direct light towards the road where it’s most important. Make sure your headlights are aligned properly.
Grime builds up on headlights, so clean them periodically. Clean lights are especially important if you have HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights, as the glare can result in temporary blindness to other drivers, according to a AAA Foundation guide to avoiding headlight glare.
Ways to Reduce Sunlight Glare
Sun glare is especially a problem just before and after the sun sets and rises. Simply being aware of this hazard can help motorists better prepare. To reduce glare, use the vehicle’s sun visors and consider wearing polarized sunglasses.
Other Ways to Reduce Driving Glare
Regardless of the type of glare, there are some things you can do in general to reduce it. For instance, glare becomes amplified when you use high-gloss cleaning products on the dashboard, so avoid them.
Also, make sure the inside and outside of the windshield is clean. Light tends to refract on windows with grime. This includes smudges and streak marks on the glass. Similarly, keep your windshield wipers in good condition. Dab some windshield washer fluid on a clean cloth and wipe them down. You may need to replace the wipers if that doesn’t work and you continue to have problems with smearing and smudging. And make sure you have enough washer fluid. Store some in the trunk in the event you need to add more.
Don’t forget about your own eye wear, whether you wear contacts, eyeglasses, or sunglasses. If they’re scratched or filmy, it may increase glare.
Position your mirrors to reduce glare as well. Your interior rear view mirror should have a night setting that not only dims but diminishes brightness from other vehicles’ headlights traveling behind you. Be sure to adjust your driver’s side and passenger’s side mirrors as well. Don’t make any adjustments until you’re safely pulled off to the side of the road, though.
And be sure to allow extra room between your car and other vehicles when dealing with glare. This reduces the chance of a rear-end accident related to poor visibility.
Seeking Legal Advice When Injured in a Car Crash
Glare might be a contributing factor in some car accidents, though other driver errors may also be relevant to determining liability for the accident. If you have sustained serious injuries in an accident, talk to an attorney. Call Rob Levine & Associates at 800-LAW-1222 to set up a consultation with an attorney.
