How many times have you sat in the car with your eyes closed in recent days? Although many people are happy that the sun is showing itself more often this spring, it can sometimes be quite difficult in the car. Especially when it’s busy. In this article you can read how you can protect yourself from the bright rays of the sun in your car.
Jaap Koeling from Assen ran a driving school for more than forty years. Countless times he made his way through Drenthe traffic, so he knows better than anyone that the low sun can really be a thing.
“You should certainly not underestimate a low sun,” says Koeling. “But luckily as a driver you can prepare well.”
According to Koeling, old-fashioned sunglasses are your best friend during this period. “That is really very important,” emphasizes the experienced former driving school owner. “Then choose good sunglasses, preferably with anti-reflective lenses, so that you are not bothered by glare.”
And sunglasses are not the only tool. “A sun visor is also extremely important. If you have one, use it,” Koeling emphasizes.
And it may sound cliché, but it is extremely important in traffic: look carefully. “Anticipation remains the most important thing in the car,” says Koeling. “Do you notice that the sun bothers you a lot? Then look twice instead of once.”
Koeling also has a tip for road users who are not bothered by the sun. “If you have the sun at your back, you may not think about it. Yet visibility is important then. So always turn on your lights. This way you make yourself more visible, even if the sun already seems bright enough.”
Finally, Koeling warns of another risk in the spring: pollen. “People with allergies need to prepare extra well,” he says. “Take tissues with you and make sure you don’t have to sneeze behind the wheel as much as possible.”
“Because anyone who sneezes should close their eyes for a moment,” Koeling continues. “And as we just said about bright sunlight: you obviously don’t want that when you’re behind the wheel,” he concludes.
