Driving Sunstrike: How Low‑Angle Sunlight Creates Serious Road Safety Risks

Driving sunstrike is a road safety hazard caused by low‑angle sunlight blinding drivers, most commonly during sunrise and sunset. While the term is well understood among safety professionals, it is less familiar to the general public, which can lead to the risk being underestimated.

In New Zealand, driving sunstrike is especially dangerous during winter months when the sun sits lower in the sky and commuters are more likely to be driving directly into it.

What Is Driving Sunstrike?

Driving sunstrike refers to the temporary but severe visual impairment caused by intense glare from low‑angle sunlight. This typically occurs when the sun is close to the horizon, such as early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Unlike sunstroke or heat‑related illness, driving sunstrike is not a medical condition. It is a visibility and perception issue that can leave drivers momentarily blinded, unable to see the road, traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles.

Even a few seconds of reduced vision at speed can be enough to cause a serious crash.

When and Where Driving Sunstrike Is Most Likely

Driving sunstrike most often occurs:

• During sunrise and sunset

• In winter months when the sun stays low for longer

• On east‑west roads where drivers face the sun directly

• In urban areas with reflective surfaces such as windscreens, buildings, and wet roads

• During peak commuting hours

  
  

Because many people drive the same routes every day, sunstrike risk can repeat seasonally on the same stretches of road.

Why Driving Sunstrike Is So Dangerous

Low‑angle sunlight reduces contrast and depth perception. This makes it difficult for drivers to judge distance, speed, and movement.

Driving sunstrike can:

• Completely obscure traffic lights and road signs

• Hide pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists

• Reduce the visibility of brake lights and indicators

• Cause drivers to drift out of their lane

• Delay reaction times during critical moments

Unlike fog or heavy rain, sun glare can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly, leaving drivers little time to adjust.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone can be affected by driving sunstrike, but risk is higher for:

• Commuters driving during early mornings or late afternoons

• Professional drivers who spend long hours on the road

• Older drivers whose eyes are more sensitive to glare

• Drivers with dirty windscreens or worn wiper blades

• Drivers travelling on unfamiliar roads

For workplaces, driving sunstrike is a health and safety risk that should be considered when planning travel times and routes.

How Drivers Can Reduce Sunstrike Risk

While driving sunstrike cannot be eliminated completely, the risk can be managed.

Practical steps include:

• Wearing quality polarised sunglasses

• Keeping windscreens clean inside and out

• Using sun visors correctly without blocking vision

• Increasing following distance in glare conditions

• Slowing down when visibility is reduced

• Avoiding sudden manoeuvres

• Being extra alert at intersections and pedestrian crossings

If visibility becomes unsafe, drivers should slow down immediately and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Managing Driving Sunstrike in the Workplace

For employers, driving sunstrike should be considered alongside fatigue and weather risks.

Good practice includes:

• Adjusting work schedules to avoid peak sun glare times where possible

• Providing driver safety education on sunstrike awareness

• Ensuring vehicles are well-maintained with clean glass

• Encouraging drivers to report hazardous routes or conditions

• Including sun glare in journey planning and risk assessments

Recognising driving sunstrike as a legitimate safety risk helps prevent incidents before they happen.

Why Driving Sunstrike Awareness Matters in New Zealand

New Zealand’s road network includes many east‑west routes, and winter commuting often coincides with sunrise and sunset. Combined with high vehicle use and busy urban roads, this makes driving sunstrike a real and ongoing safety concern.

Improving public understanding of driving sunstrike helps drivers recognise the risk, adjust their behaviour, and make safer decisions on the road.