DRIVERS have been warned about the risks caused by the low sun that could cost them a £5,000 fine.
While it may be cold, this winter sun can pose a real danger to drivers as the glare can temporarily blind drivers.
Drivers have been warned about the risks caused by the low sun that could cost them a whopping £5,000 fineGetty Images
Shockingly, a report from ATS Euromaster has revealed that only 39.5% of drivers reduce their speed when there is sun glare.
And failure to have proper control of a vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead could leave drivers with a £1,000 – £5000 fine and three points on their licence.
Across the UK, younger drivers (18-24s) are most affected by sun glare whilst driving, with more than a third of young drivers finding driving in this weather very unsafe.
Handily, car experts have come up with several tips to drive safely in low sun.
Tinted windows
One of the best things you can do is to tint your car windows.
This will help to reduce excess heat and glare from the sun by reflecting the sun’s rays away from the interior of the car and will make it easier to see.
But make sure to check the legal tint limit to avoid fines.
Sunglasses for driving
If you don’t want to tint your windows, or if the glare is still too much, you can try wearing a pair of sunglasses.
And polarised lenses are a safer option than normal lenses.
But an important thing to note is there are two essential requirements in lenses used for driving.
Vision must remain clear and sufficient light to let you see properly must get to your eyes.
Keep your windscreen clean
You must keep your windscreen clean in the winter months.
A dirty windscreen can magnify the sun’s glare making it harder to see the road.
Before going out on car journeys in the low sun, clean the interior and exterior of the car windscreen, checking that they are free of any dirt, fingerprints, and marks.
And make sure to check your wiper blades for signs of wear and tear by having your car serviced annually.
Fix any chips or cracks in your windshield
In addition to being clean, your windshield should also be smooth and free of imperfections.
And any chips and cracks on your glass are not only unsafe, but the sunlight bouncing off all the broken edges has the potential to create some serious glare.
Leave a greater distance
It’s essential to leave extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you when driving in bright sunlight.
And bright light greatly reduces your visibility and response time.