Experts, stating that sunny weather can challenge drivers and negatively affect safe driving, point out that the sun can make it difficult to see surrounding vehicles. 'Other vehicles may be difficult or impossible to see in mirrors,' warns Özgür Şener, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety and Managing Director of HED Academy, who underlines that if the car interior gets too hot, hand and palm sweating can impair a safe steering position, and heat stress can disrupt hand-foot coordination. Şener, emphasizing the need for caution, knowing that other drivers may also be negatively affected by the sun, offers recommendations for ensuring driving safety in sunny weather.
Özgür Şener, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at Üsküdar Üniversitesi and Managing Director of HED Academy, assessed the effects of prolonged sun exposure and high temperatures, which are common during long summer days, on safe driving.
Brake lights and traffic lights may not be noticed
Occupational Health and Safety Expert Lecturer Özgür Şener, stating that the sun can challenge drivers and negatively affect safe driving, said, 'If the sun is behind you while driving, great caution must be exercised. Other vehicles may be difficult or impossible to see in the mirrors. The brake lights of vehicles in front may be difficult or impossible to notice. It becomes very difficult to perceive red lights. Oncoming vehicles may not be noticed due to sun glare.'
Sun makes it difficult to see surrounding vehicles
Şener, also pointing out the need for caution when the sun is ahead during driving, said, 'Sunlight creates a bright surface, making it difficult to see. Surrounding vehicles may not be noticed even if they are within the field of vision. A dirty windshield severely negatively affects the driver's visibility.'
Driver's heat impact can impair hand-foot coordination
Şener, also touching upon other effects of sunny and hot weather apart from visibility issues, listed his warnings: 'In excessively sunny weather, the car interior gets very hot, hand and palm sweating can impair a safe steering position, and heat stress can disrupt hand-foot coordination. Difficulty concentrating on driving occurs in extreme heat. In extreme heat, the road surface expands, creating unexpected undulations on the ground and making vehicle control more difficult. Dark-colored vehicles, such as black ones, are more affected by sunlight, causing the driver to be more affected by the heat. Knowing this, air conditioning can be used appropriately.'
Tips for ensuring driving safety in sunny weather
Occupational Health and Safety Expert Lecturer Özgür Şener, listing the precautions to be taken to ensure driving safety in excessively sunny and hot weather, said, 'Use sunglasses that will ensure your visibility is at the highest level throughout the drive. Take off your sunglasses before entering tunnels. Pay more attention to color distinction for correct behavior at traffic lights. Use the sun visors inside the vehicle in a way that does not obstruct your vision.'
Şener concluded his remarks by emphasizing that mirrors should be checked more frequently, knowing that other drivers may also be negatively affected by the sun:
'Do not look directly at oncoming vehicles; sun glare can dazzle your eyes and cause temporary blindness. Reduce your speed if you cannot clearly see far ahead on the road. You may not see the brake lights of the vehicle in front, so always adhere to safe distance rules. When passing through forested, tree-lined areas, it is very difficult to see areas shaded by trees; reduce your speed. Take frequent breaks, make the journey enjoyable for yourself and the passengers in the vehicle, and increase your safe driving quality. Take a break after a maximum of 2 hours and 15 minutes of driving. Drive carefully, knowing that there may be vehicles stranded and people getting out of vehicles due to the negative effects of the heat. Choose comfortable, breathable clothing that does not restrict you while driving.'