How to Avoid Sun Glare While Driving

Driving with the sun in your eyes isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Sun glare can reduce visibility, make it hard to see the road ahead, and increase the risk of accidents. Whether it’s during your morning commute or evening drive home, knowing how to avoid sun glare while driving can help protect you and your passengers. Follow these helpful tips to reduce glare and drive with confidence.

What to Do When the Sun is in Your Eyes

Use Your Sun Visors

One of the simplest ways to block the sun is to use your car’s built-in visors. Flip them down to block direct sunlight when the sun is low in the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset. Many visors also pivot to the side to protect against glare coming through your side windows.

Pro tip: Keep the visor clean and in good condition so it blocks the sun effectively without limiting your field of view.

Wear Polarized Sunglasses

Wearing the right sunglasses is one of the most effective ways to reduce glare. Look for polarized lenses, which filter out horizontal light waves that cause glare. They help you see better by cutting down on bright sunlight that reflects off the road, cars, or water.

Bonus tip: Keep an extra pair in your glove compartment so you’re always prepared.

Keep Your Windshield Clean

Dirt, smudges, and streaks on your windshield can make glare even worse. Clean the inside and outside of your windshield regularly, and keep your washer fluid topped off. A dirty windshield scatters light and makes it harder for your eyes to adjust in bright conditions.

Adjust Your Driving Route or Schedule

If the glare at a certain time of day is too intense, consider adjusting your travel time. Shifting your commute by just 15–30 minutes might help you avoid driving directly into the sun. You can also use navigation apps to find alternate routes with less exposure to direct sunlight.

Example: If you regularly drive east in the early morning or west in the evening, you may be more likely to experience sun glare.

Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

If you’re driving toward the sun and can’t block the glare, slow down and leave more space between you and the car in front. Bright sunlight can make it hard to see brake lights or changes in traffic flow, so giving yourself more time to react is essential.

Avoid Looking Directly at the Sun

It may sound obvious, but avoid staring into the sun for too long. Glancing directly into the sunlight can temporarily blind you, which is incredibly risky behind the wheel. Instead, focus your eyes slightly to the side of the glare or look toward shaded areas of the road.

Watch for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Other Road Users

Sun glare can hide people and objects in crosswalks or intersections. Be especially cautious when making turns or approaching traffic lights. Even if you think the road is clear, double-check your surroundings.

Stay Safe in All Light Conditions

Now that you know how to avoid sun glare while driving, you can protect your vision and reduce distractions when the light gets intense. Whether you’re using sun visors, wearing polarized glasses, or adjusting your route, small changes can make a big difference when it comes to road safety.

For more driving tips or to explore Nissan vehicles with helpful safety features, stop by 94 Nissan of South Holland or call us at (800) 982-0302 today.