Commercial truck drivers live a hard life. Not only do they spend most of their time on the road, but they also have to be diligent when driving. The smallest distraction can throw them off track and disrupt their route. Whether it’s a tree falling in the middle of the road, blocking their path, or the bright sun glaring down at them from above.
Most of the time, it’s the sun rays that catch them off guard, making them squint and peer through the impossible glare reflecting off the windshield. But here’s the thing: sun glare might not seem like a big deal in general. However, they can serve as an annoying trigger for most drivers. This is why it is essential for commercial drivers to take steps to prevent the rays from blinding them.
How to Avoid Sun Glare When Driving?
Be it during the early afternoon hours or right before dusk, reflective sun glares act as a potential hazard for on-the-road commercial truckers. Here are some tips and techniques they can follow to reduce the harmful effect of the bright glare.
- Regularly Clean The Windshield
The cleaner the windows, the sharper the vision. For truck drivers, having good eyesight is key, which means even if the windshield catches the sun, the clean surface would help them out. They would be able to see the road and thus avoid accidents from taking place. - Drive Slow and Steady
It may be tempting to zoom through the day and cover the set mileage. However, taking it slow and steady, especially during the hours when the sun is at its peak, is even more important. - Always Keep The Headlights On
It might seem illogical to turn on the headlights during the day, but it’s a great way of alerting other truck drivers that you are on the road — be it behind them or up ahead. This can ultimately save your life and avoid accidents from confusion. - Use Protective Sunglasses
One of the best ways to combat the sun’s glow is by popping out protective sunglasses. They can be customized according to the driver’s preferences with a special lens in the middle that helps maintain neutrality. - Don’t Drive Bumper-to-Bumper
One of the key rules of driving is that your vehicle should be at least 3 seconds behind the car in front of you. For trucks, this distance should be longer because of their sheer size and weight. - Negotiate Your Schedule
If a driver’s schedule is packed during the day at high rise, and the problem keeps getting worse, it might be better to switch their time. This would help them explore different routes in a more comfortable setting. - Utilize In-Built Sun Visors
Cars come with built-in sun visors, which protect the driver’s eyesight. Commercial trucks, on the other hand, have extendable sun visors that can be altered according to how the driver wants them. Overall, they are a great way to improve visibility and travel the distance during the day.
What’s The Takeaway?
It is crucial for commercial truck drivers to take precautions when driving for extended periods of time, especially during the day. Sun glare might not seem as dangerous, but it can lead to terrible accidents on the road if not careful.
This is why it is important for all driver leasing agencies to be upfront and provide precautions to the drivers. Nevertheless, for more information on the matter, feel free to reach out to Casual Driver Leasing Services at either of the following locations:
Houston
Location: 440 Benmar Dr., Suite 1290, Houston, TX 77060
Phone No.: (281) 447-0885
Dallas
Location: 2401 Avenue J, Suite 213, Arlington, TX 76006
Phone No.: (817) 649-0300