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Especially during the bright days of summer and those tricky hours around sunrise and sunset, sun glare can wreak havoc on South Jersey roads. Many drivers do not realize just how dangerous sun glare can be until it is too late, but if you have ever found yourself squinting and struggling to see the road ahead, you know how quickly things can go wrong.
What Is Sun Glare and When Does It Become a Problem?
Sun glare happens when sunlight bounces off surfaces like your windshield, the road, or even nearby buildings, blinding you and making it almost impossible to see the road ahead. This hazard occurs commonly during sunrise and sunset, when the sun sits low in the sky and the rays hit your windshield. If your commute takes you east in the morning or west in the evening, you probably know that blinding burst of light all too well.
How Does Sun Glare Lead to Car Accidents?
Sun glare can make it tough to see your surroundings. You might not spot the car in front of you hitting its brakes, you may miss a traffic light changing, or you might fail to see a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk. Some of the most common car accidents caused by sun glare include the following:
- Rear-end collisions when you cannot see brake lights ahead.
- Drifting out of your lane because you cannot see lane markings.
- Missing important signals or signs.
- Making risky turns because you cannot judge distances clearly.
Many drivers underestimate just how much sun glare can affect their ability to drive safely.
What Can Drivers Do to Prevent Sun Glare Accidents?
While you cannot control the sun, you can take steps to make driving safer in times of high glare:
- Use Your Sun Visor: Adjust it to block the sun without blocking your view of the road.
- Wear Polarized Sunglasses: These lenses can cut down on glare and help you see better.
- Keep Your Windshield Clean: Dirt and streaks only make glare worse, so wipe it down, inside and out.
- Slow Down and Leave Extra Space: Give yourself more time to react if something happens.
- Change Your Route or Timing: If you can, avoid driving directly into the sun during peak glare hours, or pick a shadier route.
- Stay Alert: Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone else on the road.
Who Is Responsible for Sun Glare Accidents in New Jersey?
New Jersey law expects drivers to prepare for sun glare and take steps to drive safely, even with low or compromised visibility. If a driver fails to slow down, use their visor, or take other precautions, a court can still hold them responsible for an accident, even if the sun played a role.
Get Legal Help After a Sun Glare Accident From the South Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm
If you sustain injuries in an accident because of another driver’s negligence and need to recover compensation, trust the South Jersey car accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm. We have helped victims in South Jersey for decades, and we will take the time to listen to your story and guide you through every step of the process. Call us today at 609-926-3300 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and South Jersey.