Driving and bicycling in the sun's glare

The recent collision that killed bicyclist Susan Brewer in Liberty, MO, happened when a motorist was driving east into the morning sun and was blinded.
Sun Glare, Zion, UT by imagebysp


This dangerous situation happens most often near the spring and fall equinoxes, when the sun rises and directly to the east and west, and thus is lined up with east/west streets at sunrise and sunset.

When the sun is low in the sky, glare can make it difficult for motorists to see. It can even temporarily blind the motorist. This situation causes a number of traffic crashes each year.

So in this situation there is nothing the motorist can do. Or is there?

Putting a little common sense together with accepted traffic law we come up with these solutions:

* Slow down. Do not overdrive your sight distance. This may mean slowing well below the posted speed. It is against the law to drive at speeds in excess of road conditions. Use the same precautions and care as driving in other hazardous conditions, like fog or rain. If you can't see, don't drive.

* Keep your windshield clean. A dirty windshield makes the sun's glare many times worse.

* Turn headlights on so oncoming motorists can see you as they're driving toward the sun.

* When the sun is low in the sky, anticipate and prepare for points where the sun may come out from behind trees, buildings, or hills and interfere with your vision. Remember that you can always put your hand up to shade your eyes--uh, unless your trying to juggle your cell phone and a cup of coffee as you drive. Maybe you'd better drive now and talk, eat, and drink later.

* Remember that you share the road with pedestrians, motorcyclists, mopeds, and bicyclists. With glare in your eyes you may still be able to make out a large automobile. But could you see a pedestrian or bicyclist in your path? If not, slow down until your speed corresponds with your ability to see ahead. That is what the law in every state says you must do.

* Beware of bearing right off the roadway into the shoulder or sidewalk, as bicyclists or pedestrians may be operating there.

* If possible, change your driving route. Use north-south streets until you find an east-west road with lots of trees or taller buildings.

Bicyclists can:

* Avoid riding in this situation when possible. Consider getting off your bike and walking (off of the roadway, if possible) for a short while to get past a dangerous stretch. (Remember that the danger happens only for a relatively short while and in certain specific situations.)
* Use your situational awareness. Watch traffic carefully in this situation and be prepared to react. Be careful of traffic coming from behind if the sun is in your eyes, and of traffic turning into your path when the sun is at your back.
* Remember that, because of glare from windshield glass, the motorist will be more blinded than you. In a situation where you have reasonable visibility the motorist may be having a much worse time.
* Normally effective cycling instructors teach bicyclists to avoid hugging the curb--and with good reason. But one time to (with caution and care) stay as far to the right as possible is these relatively rare situations where motorists may come up behind you and not be able to see you--when coming over the crest of a hill or into the glare of the sun.

MoBikeFed is cooperating with local bicyclists to organize a vigil for Susan Brewer at 7PM on Wednesday, September 6th, 2006 at Liberty City Park, Liberty, MO. Please come if you can. Click here for details and directions.

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