Page 1160 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 432

16 October 2014

Glare

Please see enclosed a bulletin regarding accidents caused by sun glare that was kindly shared with us
by BP.

The AA reported that “Of the 2,905 accidents in which sun dazzle was reported to be a contributory
factor in 2012, 52 happened on motorways, 1,203 on A-roads, 428 on B-roads and 1,222 on other
minor roads”, and “Dazzle from the sun contributed to 36 fatal, 423 serious and one in 33 of all
reported accidents”.

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This is a particular problem this time of year, when the clocks go back (26 October), resulting in the
sun being low in the sky during rush hour traffic.

Three rules for driving at sunset:
• Keep your windscreen clean inside and out - wiping the inside with a cloth dampened in warm
water and a little washing up liquid once a fortnight will cut the risk of a screen being blanked
out by sun glare.
• Slow down immediately - it is tempting to carry on at your current speed hoping that you'll turn
out of direct sunlight or that something obscures the glare, but by the time that happens, it may
be too late. Use the sun visors rather than rely too much on sunglasses and slow down if you're
blinded by sun glare.

• Anticipate the effects of glare on you and other drivers - the sun may appear suddenly from
behind trees, buildings and other obstacles if you're heading west on major routes or going up
hills, and if your vehicle casts a long shadow in front of it, it is likely that oncoming drivers and
those coming out of turnings will have difficulty seeing you coming.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works
for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!