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Motorists Warned Of The Dangers Of The Suns Glare
Mon, 01 Nov 2010

A road safety charity has warned that the glare from the sun could be hazardous for motorists than driving at night or in bad weather.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has highlighted Government figures which show that the sun’s glare was reported as a contributory factor in 2,684 road accidents last year, equalling the total number of crashes caused by headlamp dazzle and poor weather conditions combined.

The group said that once the clocks go back on October 31, rush-hour drivers will have to contend with the dazzle of the sun, which will be lower in the sky, both in the morning and evening.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: ''We can't change the position of the sun, or the need to travel at certain times, but there are simple steps you can take to ensure you're prepared for these conditions."

''Keep your windscreen clean, both inside and out. On de-mist, your heater blows traffic fumes, suspended oil and smoke onto the inside of the screen, and wet roads add dirt and scratches to the outside."

''Dirty windscreens add to the danger when the sun is low. If you can't see, slow down accordingly, keeping an eye on the traffic behind, in case the following vehicle doesn't see you against the sun.''

Mr Greig added that government statistics also show how dangerous headlamp dazzle can be for drivers, with figures showing that it causes more crashes than the use of mobile phones behind the wheel.

He said: ''Drivers must learn to expect it and how to cope with it. Always dip your headlights when another car is approaching, and if someone is coming towards you on main beam, look away to the left of your side of the road, to avoid the temporary blindness caused by dazzle.''
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