As summer transitions to fall, sun glare becomes a serious challenge for drivers. The issue is most severe within 90 minutes after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low and directly in your line of sight, causing temporary blindness. To make matter worse, these periods coincide with rush-hour, making oncoming vehicles, traffic signals, brake lights, and pedestrians harder to see. Reflective surfaces like windshields, building facades and road signs can amplify the glare, further complicating driving conditions.

So, what can commercial drivers do to minimize the effects of sun glare and reduce the risk of accidents? Consider these practical tips: 

Choose Your Route Carefully
Plan your trips to avoid driving into the sun, whenever possible. North-south routes can help reduce the sun’s glare from directly hitting your eyes and mirrors. Streets lined with tall buildings or trees can also can offer some relief by providing shade. If feasible, adjust your travel schedule to steer clear of driving when the sun's glare is at its worst. 

Keep Your Windshield Clean
A dirty windshield can amplify sun glare, so thoroughly clean it inside and out before departing and as needed along the way. Verify that your wiper blades are in good condition as part of your federally-mandated pre-trip vehicle inspection. Also, make sure your washer fluid reservoir is full to quickly address sudden splashes of dirt or muck while driving. 

Repair Your Windshield
Defects in your windshield, like cracks, chips and scratches, can scatter light, intensifying glare. Regularly inspect your windshield and promptly repair any imperfections to maintain optimal visibility. 

Clear Off Your Dashboard
Prevent distracting reflections by keeping your dashboard free of clutter. Also, be cautious with cleaning products—high-gloss solutions can make your dashboard overly shiny, increasing glare. 

Use Your Sun Visor
A sun visor is one of the simplest and most effective tools to block out direct sunlight. Position it to shield your eyes without obstructing your view of the road. If your vehicle is equipped with extension visors, use them for better coverage. 

Wear Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are essential for reducing glare, protecting your eyes from UV rays and easing eye strain while driving. Keep a reliable pair handy whenever you’re behind the wheel. If you wear prescription sunglasses, consider anti-glare lenses for added protection and visual comfort. 

Utilize Your Headlights
If glare is impacting your ability to see, it's likely affecting other motorists as well. Turn on your low-beam headlights to make your vehicle more visible to those around you. 

Slow Down
When sun glare impacts visibility, reduce your speed to allow more time to respond to changing traffic conditions or emerging hazards. Exercise additional caution when entering or exiting a tunnel or cresting a hill as your eyes will need a moment to adapt to the abrupt shifts in lighting. 

Maintain a Greater Following Distance
Sun glare can distort depth perception and spatial awareness, making it more difficult to judge distances accurately. Increase your following distance for more time and space to react to any potential dangers.

Be Extra Cautious at Intersections
Sunlight reflecting off traffic signals can sometimes make it difficult to differentiate red from green, leading drivers to unintentionally run red lights. Remain vigilant when approaching intersections, and be ready to stop—even when you have the green.

Watch for Shadows
Dark, deceptive shadows cast by low-angle sunlight can easily mask the presence of pedestrians and cyclists. Keep an eye out in areas with heavy shading, such as around trees, structures or parked vehicles. Slow down at crosswalks, intersections and any place where you're likely to encounter people on foot or bike.

Wait it Out
If sun glare severely hampers your ability to see, find a safe, legal spot to pull over. Often, just a brief pause is sufficient for the sun to shift and driving conditions to improve.