MDOT says: Be aware of glare

Contact: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications,
feltb@michigan.gov
989-619-7963,

Agency: State Office of Administrative Hearings & Rules

April 20, 2012 -- A motorist is making his morning trip to the office. As he turns east, the sun glare temporarily blinds him. Struggling to see, he reaches for his sunglasses and notices what appear to be brake lights on the vehicle in front of him. Hitting the brakes, it takes a couple nerve-wracking moments for him to realize nothing tragic happened, and he safely makes his way to work.

Because the sun rises and sets closer to the horizon and almost exactly east and west in the spring, driving can be difficult and, in some cases, dangerous. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) offers these tips for safe spring driving:

- Adjust the time that you travel to and from your destination;
- Wear a good pair of sunglasses and drive slower than you usually do; and
- Keep the windshield clean as the sun's glare can make dirt more obvious.

"Using any or all of these tips, especially in early spring, can make our roads safer," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Another good way to deal with the bright sunlight is to allow more space between you and the vehicle in front of you."

Intense glare from the sun on the horizon has the potential to blind drivers, causing unexpected slow downs. Other potential safety hazards exist every year as well, like wet, fallen leaves and frost.

Don't Barrel Through Work Zones! - Drive Smart to Stay Alive.