Sun glare can make your commute dangerous

Few things beat a sunny day. After all, getting outside to enjoy the warm weather is one of the simple pleasures of life. While sunshine may encourage your plants to grow and give your skin a golden glow, it can wreak havoc on your commute.

Even though Issaquah has a reputation for gray skies and rain, the city sees its fair share of sunny days. To drive your vehicle safely, you must be able to see the roadway in front of you. If sun glare blinds you, your otherwise ordinary commute can turn into a catastrophe. Here are five ways to combat sun glare from behind the wheel:

1. Wash your windshield

Dirt, water spots, and other particulates on your car’s windshield can obstruct your vision. When you add sunlight, though, a dirty windshield can become an opaque surface. As such, regularly wash the inside and outside of your vehicle’s windshield to better see through it effectively.

2. Wear sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses not only looks cool, but it also protects your eyes from the sun. To get the most protection possible, opt for a pair with polarized lenses.

3. Stay away from the car in front of you

Driving conditions are not always ideal. Whether you drive during inclement weather or on bright days, you must adapt your drive to the conditions. If the sun shines brightly in your eyes, reduce your speed and back off from traffic in front of you. If you do not, you may find yourself in the middle of a serious automobile accident.

4. Change your commute times

The sun rises and sets at different times of the day, depending on the season. If your normal commute turns into a glary mess, you may want to change your commute times. Leaving a bit earlier may help you avoid sun glare altogether.

5. Reach for your car’s visor

Finally, your vehicle probably has a sun visor to help deflect sun glare away from your eyes. As long as you can do so safely, adjust the visor in an ideal position to block most of the incoming sunrays.

Like many busy residents of Issaquah, you have places you need to go. Because sun glare can be dangerous, you must also have a plan for keeping the sun from blinding you.