Accidents caused by 'sun dazzle' jump 12%

ACCIDENTS caused by the sun’s dazzling rays rose by 12% last year according to Department for Transport (DfT) figures.

The official statistics show that ‘sun dazzle’ was a major factor in 2,905 accidents in 2012, compared to 2,592 in 2011.

A-roads were the most common location for accidents influenced by sun dazzle, at 41% of the total. Motorways accounted for just 1.7%.

It is believed that the increase links to a sunnier autumn, with 293 hours of sunshine compared to 2011’s 277-hour total.

Prestone, a manufacturer of screen wash, has highlighted October as the worst month for sun dazzle because the hour before sunset, where the sun is at its lowest, coincides with rush hour.

The company adds that dirty, scratched or greasy windscreens exacerbate the problem, sometimes hugely.

Juliette Mullineux, Prestone Brand Manager, explains: “During autumn motorists are likely to find their vision affected by a range of external factors like low dazzling sun, rain, road spray and traffic grime.

“It’s often not apparent just how dirty a windscreen is until the rising or setting sun hits it at a low angle, so it’s vital that motorists prepare their car by using a good quality screen wash to maintain a clear view of the road.

“Motorists often forget that driving without screen wash is illegal and carries a penalty of three points and a hefty fine.”

By Press Association reporter