A glaring issue faces motorists this autumn

New statistics have revealed the danger posed by the sun at this time of year.

Research carried out by the AA has shown that, on average, there are 28 deaths per year on the UK’s roads caused through glare-related accidents.

Drivers are said to be particularly vulnerable during sunrise and sunset, when the sun is in their line of sight and can temporarily blind them. Furthermore, it has been noted glare or ‘dazzle’ can be seen as a contributing factor in the injury of a further 3,900 motorists every year.

Despite these worrying figures, drivers should remember UK road casualties have fallen 7.4% in the last four years, from 1,850 deaths in 2010 to 1,713 in 2013. The total number of injuries has also fallen, with a slide of 12% in the same timeframe.

Sun glare is a more important factor at this time of year because drivers are more likely to be on the roads during sunrise and sunset times, as they coincide with rush hours.

President of the AA, Edmund King highlighted the various dangers of twilight-motoring, saying, ‘Many slower and more vulnerable road users - joggers, dog walkers, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders - will be trying to take advantage of the last of the light evenings before the clocks go back. All road users need to be fully aware of the potential twilight dangers.’

Pedestrians are particularly in danger when walking by the road with their back to traffic, with joggers, dog walkers and workers almost twice as likely to be struck in this scenario.

King says: ‘Research conducted for the AA, from official 2004 pedestrian casualty statistics, shows that 10.8% of the 5,566 pedestrians killed or seriously injured when in the road were walking or running with their backs to the traffic. This compares with 5.9% of the casualties who were facing oncoming cars.’

There are a number of ways drivers can keep safe and avoid accidents. One bit of advice is to slow down as soon as you enter a stretch of road where glare is a problem. It can be tempting to carry on speeding along in the hope you’ll pass out of it more quickly, but slowing down can have a dramatic effect on your safety.

A number of other considerations should also be taken into account, including cleaning your windscreen inside and out before setting off on a journey, and taking extra care when driving in a westerly direction where the setting sun is a particular problem.

Have you been hit by a driver blinded by glare in the last three years? Call Winns today on 0800 988 6288 and see how you could be awarded compensation for this unfortunate incident.

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