Tips for driving in bright sunlight

Texas highways, city streets and interstates brim over with driving hazards. Drivers should make themselves aware of all such hazards, especially those that come at specific times every day.

Driving-Tests offers a variety of tips for safely driving in direct and bright sunlight. With them, motorists can easily see how to keep themselves and others safe.

Use visors

One of the best (and easiest) things drivers can do is use their car’s sun visor. This simple safety feature makes it convenient to block out intense sunlight piercing through the front windshield or side windows.

Wear sunglasses

Keeping a quality pair of sunglasses in the car is a great idea. Rather than any pair of shades, it is best to use those with polarized lenses designed specifically to block out blinding UV rays.

Tint the windows

Drivers who have the financial means to do so can tint their windows to make it easier to see at sunrise and sunset. It is good to explore how much sunlight different types of tinting keep out. Additionally, drivers interested in window tinting need to check the most recent state regulations to determine whether there is a limit to how dark their windows can be in Texas.

Leave more following distance

Just like with driving in the snow and over ice, motorists should make a conscious effort to leave more room between themselves and the car in front of them. That way, drivers have more room and time to brake should they find themselves driving closer to another car than they initially gauged.

Adjust driving times

Weather apps make it easy to determine sunrise and sunset. Putting this information to good use and adjusting one’s driving schedule accordingly makes it easier to keep from squinting and leaning forward over the steering wheel to make out what lies ahead on the road through a curtain of glaring sunlight.

Use headlights

According to AAA, turning on the vehicle’s headlights makes it easier for other drivers to see other vehicles in times of bright sunlight.