Beware San Angelo: The Dangers of Driving into The Glare of Sunrise/Sunset
It's the same in old romantic movies. The happy couple drives off together into the sunset. No doubt, San Angelo sunsets and sunrises can be spectacular. They can also get you a date with Mayhem. You know, Mayhem, that guy from the insurance commercials.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission says there are literally hundreds of accidents and fatalities every year on U.S. Highways caused by driving into the glaring sun.
Because the terrain around San Angelo is mostly flat, when the bright morning or afternoon sun is right on the horizon, driving into it can be especially dangerous. There are tons of discussions in online discussion boards from people who have had accidents driving during this dangerous time.
Have you ever had an accident or almost had one driving into a bright sun loitering right on the horizon?
So what do the experts recommend to avoid accidents when the sun is blinding you while driving. The advice boils down to this:
1) Pulling over and enjoying the sunset as it slowly slides beneath the horizon, then resuming your travel.
2) Ok, #1 isn't always very practical, so polarized sunglasses can help alot. These glasses were originally designed for boaters and fishermen to reduce the glare from the water. Make sure you have a pair handy in your visor.
3) Speaking of the Visor, pulling it down can help. That's obvious, but if the sun is right on the horizon, it won't help .
4) Another thing that can help is making sure your windshield is clean. Dirt on the windshield diffuses the light and makes it even harder to see. With all the insects and heaven forbid bird droppings burned into your windshield, this is as good an excuse as ever to do something about it.
5. Other common sense tips include: Slowing WAY down. Putting more distance between you and other drivers. Also, take an alternate route to avoid driving directly into the sun. Easier said than done here in the Concho Valley.
Stay safe out there and whatever you do, slow down when the glare of the sun is unbearable.
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