Motorists warned to beware of the sun’s glare

Mayo County Council’s road safety team is offering tips to motorists to help them combat the dangers of driving into the sun.

The team says that “countless collisions have occurred due to blind spots created by the sun’s glare and the distance perception problems that are created”.

Noel Gibbons, Mayo’s road safety officer, 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.”

Other tips from the team include investing in polarized sunglasses to help reduce glare and driving with headlights on to increase visibility to other drivers.

For more information contact Noel Gibbons on 0877870055.