In some locations sun hovers just above roadway, blinding drivers during commuting hours
BRISTOL, Va. – Early Sunday morning we’ll set our clocks back one hour to Eastern Standard Time. Along with that extra hour of sleep the return to Standard Time brings some less desirable consequences.
After the time changes from Daylight Saving to Standard Time the sunrise and sunset hours more closely align with morning and evening commuting hours, which means large numbers of drivers will encounter the sun low on the horizon during their morning and evening drives. In some locations the sun appears to hover just above the roadway, creating blinding glare that is difficult to avoid and can leave drivers unable to see the road and other vehicles around them.
In past years this seasonal sun glare has been determined to be a contributing factor in some vehicle crashes, particularly on interstate and primary highways. The effect is most acute beginning in mid-late October through the winter months because sunrise and sunset so closely correlate with peak commuting hours.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sun glare is the cause of about 9,000 crashes each year. It ranks as the second environmental cause of traffic crashes, behind only slick roads.
Here are some tips for drivers on the road in the early morning and late afternoon that may reduce the hazard:
Current traffic conditions, VDOT’s statewide network of traffic cameras and other real-time travel information is on the 511Virginia website. That information is also available on the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT updates are also on Facebook (VDOT Bristol District group) and the district’s X account, @VaDOTBristol.
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Last updated: December 10, 2024