Sun Glare Accident Statistics
Most drivers have experienced those few seconds of blinding sun glare. It may only last for a few short moments, but all it takes is a second to cause an accident. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sun glare is the culprit behind only a few hundred accidents in the U.S. every year. However, other organizations such as AAA feel that this figure is underreported because sun glare is rarely the sole cause of an accident. One U.K. study attributed an estimated 3,000 accidents to sun glare yearly.
There is no law that excuses a driver from liability in an accident due to sun glare. It may have been one of the main causes of the accident, but the other portion of personal injury law stipulates that everyone who shares the road assumes responsibility to exercise due care and caution, no matter what the weather conditions are.
Additionally, there is an assumption that the driver understands that they are driving at a time when the sun will be out; thus, they assume the risk of having their view obstructed by sun glare. While many of us may think of driving in weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog as potentially more dangerous, this does not mean we can be less attentive to our driving on a clear day.
How Can I Protect Myself from Sun Glare?
There are dozens of ways that sun glare can interfere with our driving. For example, dirty windshields, side mirrors, and windows can all reflect the glare back into your field of vision. Remember, also, that other road conditions can be distracting to you and other drivers, so you may want to think about increasing your visibility to others on the road.
These are some suggestions of ways you can protect yourself from sun glare while driving:
- Try wearing polarized sunglasses, which reflect glare away
- Regularly wipe down your dashboard or windshield
- Make up an alternate route to avoid driving in more sunny areas during certain times
- Keep your headlights on—this can help other drivers see you
Sun glare accidents can be especially dangerous during rush hour, as sometimes the reflection off your dash or even the road can make it difficult to have full visibility. It can also make it difficult to see pedestrians when you are on the streets. One study from AA road reports showed that pedestrians who had their backs to drivers are more likely to be struck due to road glare.
We Have Over Three Decades of Experience
You can protect yourself and others on the road from the everyday hazards of driving. If you were involved in an accident, do not hesitate to contact The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC for legal counsel. Our Alexandria car accident attorneys can help inform you of your rights and advocate for you should it be necessary.