Blinding sun caused 22 car crashes in eight months

Abu Dhabi: Police have advised drivers to take the necessary precautions when faced with glare from the sun while driving.

Motorists in turn urged traffic authorities to consider the effect of the sun's glare when analysing accidents that occur on east-bound roads in the morning. Data compiled by the Abu Dhabi Traffic Department showed the sun's glare was blamed for 22 minor crashes in the capital during the first eight months of this year.

Fender benders sometimes occur as a result of drivers getting temporarily blinded by glare.

Colonel Hussain Ahmad Al Harithi, Director of the Traffic and Patrol Department at Abu Dhabi Police, reminded drivers of the need to heed speed limits, particularly if they face such visibility conditions.

"Drivers may delay unnecessary drives at sunrise or before sunset when the sun's glare may obstruct the vision of drivers and compromise road safety," he said. He also suggested that drivers wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from ultraviolet rays as well as the sun's glare.

Reactions

Motorists meanwhile said police officers and driving instructors should point out that the sun's glare is as hazardous as patches of ice on the road.

"[The] sun's glare reduces a driver's reaction time and [road] awareness. If they are squinting or peering from under a sun visor, they are not fully aware of their surroundings and are unable to see traffic lights particularly when the sun is seen behind them," Mohammad Abdul Salam, a long-time resident told Gulf News.

Soha Ramadan, a receptionist, said direct sunlight in the morning is very dangerous for east-boundmotorists as "it causes me temporary blindness".

However, Mahmoud Abdullah, a Moroccan engineer, 30, held drivers responsible.

"Drivers are the source of all dangerous actions on the roads. But many causes of crashes are also linked to environmental factors such as fog, sandstorms, rain and sometimes direct sunlight. Other factors may be connected to the condition of some cars," he said.

However, R. Kumar, 47, said: "The problem has to do with some motorists who drive too fast. I have no idea how some of these drivers get their licence. Accidents happen due to reckless driving, especially among young people."

Lack of concentration

Khaleel Mohammad agrees, saying: "It is true that sunlight and fog could be major factors in some accidents, but overall, drivers should take ultimate responsibility because we all know what time this happens, and they should slow down and pay more attention."

He added the lack of concentration by drivers is the main reason why accidents happen so often. Direct sunlight is not that big a problem. "The problem is when everyone is trying to cut you off and jump ahead of everyone else, that is when accidents happen because everyone is in a hurry to get to somewhere."

A. Hussain, 29, a Pakistani engineer, said: "I don't believe we can blame sunlight for accidents. I think drivers must take full responsibility for their driving because they are the ones in control. Most accidents happen because some drivers are careless and many do not exercise the right judgment at the right time."

Rashid H., a 30-year-old diving instructor, said: "The main reason for accidents is because of people's attitude towards other drivers. They think that they have to be first in line and have the right of way. Driving schools should play a bigger role in preventing accidents because they do not teach students general [road] courtesy."

Expert's tip: Wear shades

Major Dr Ayman Jumaiaan, an ophthalmologist at Abu Dhabi Police, said the Vision Council of America considers glare as a significant factor causing vision obstruction and crashes.

"Many sun glare accidents happen in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is on the horizon and little protection is offered by a car's sun visor. Unfortunately, these times coincide perfectly with the rush hours, making accidents more likely."

He advised drivers to wear polarised sunglasses to minimise the effect of the sun's glare.

No insurance cover

Drivers involved in accidents caused by the sun's glare will not be covered by insurance if they are at fault, according to Fatima Mohammad Al Awadi, Deputy Director of the Insurance Authority.

"In sun glare-related accidents, insurance companies will not cover damages caused to the insured car, but will cover damages caused to third parties. However, insurance companies can always claim damages from the person at fault."

Have you had issue with sun glare while driving? Have you been in accident because of it? How do you avoid being blinded by the sun?

Photo Caption : Traffic lights seem to have been switched off when the rising or setting sun appears in the background. Image Credit: Supplied

Courtesy : Gulf News, Oct 19,2010