Beware the Hun in the sun - warning (bit late though) to cyclists

[CyclingCat]

Accidents are mostly the result of several factors. Sad case in newspaper of road markings being erased following resurfacing and a low, bright sun on a bend combining to kill the car occupant last August.

Yes I know I'm talking about two cars colliding, but it could quite easily have been a cyclist knocked off.

 

[Banjo]

Accidents are mostly the result of several factors. Sad case in newspaper of road markings being erased following resurfacing and a low, bright sun on a bend combining to kill the car occupant last August.

Yes I know I'm talking about two cars colliding, but it could quite easily have been a cyclist knocked off.

If your squinting into strong sunlight to see where your going theres not much chance of a car driver peering out through a grubby windscreen seeing you.If theres a pavement available this is one of the few times I will ride on it.

 

[Klaus]

In late summer I always clean the inside of the windscreen thoroughly because of all the grime which has built up over the summer. Low sun can be a headache (literally) with dirty windscreens (speaking as a driver).

 

[ufkacbln]

This is why I hate daylight saving time.

My commute is West to East and the sun can be an issue.

Then there comes the time when the problem naturally resolves as the sunrise changes.

THe clocks then change and we a back with the sun in our eyes!

 

[asterix]

Worst road I've ever been on was the A34, Southampton to Manchester at sundown, round this time of year. Nearer Soton than Mcr it was so bad the traffic was slowed right down and of course there still impatient fools overtaking.

 

[2Loose]

The low winter sun is definitely a hazard.

Time to dig out the polarized sunglasses as they don't glare.

 

[L.E.D.]

I have first hand experience of this effect

My first RTA was because of a driver being blinded by the sun, I was coming down a hill and a car approaching from the opposite direction turned across into my path, " I couldn't see because of the sun" was the reply she gave the cops. It seemed that her attitude was if in doubt then go for it.

I now refuse to go out when the sun is low and bright , especially hate it when the floor is wet as well, I wear sunglasses when the sun is out but how many drivers do ?

 

[gbb]

I remember when i was 20 ish, driving a van down Mapperley Tops in Nottingham. The sun was setting right down the middle of the road. I'd slowed down to about 10mph because i couldnt see a thing...my mate shouted 'WHOAAA'. Slammed on the brakes, to find a lady right in front of me on a zebra crossing. Jesus, i really couldnt see her.

Even if you're alert...it can still get you.

 

[2Loose]

I remember when i was 20 ish, driving a van down Mapperley Tops in Nottingham. The sun was setting right down the middle of the road. I'd slowed down to about 10mph because i couldnt see a thing...my mate shouted 'WHOAAA'. Slammed on the brakes, to find a lady right in front of me on a zebra crossing. Jesus, i really couldnt see her.

Even if you're alert...it can still get you.

That is just down the road from me...nice to know you remember a place you couldn't actually see!

 

[davefb]

I have first hand experience of this effect

My first RTA was because of a driver being blinded by the sun, I was coming down a hill and a car approaching from the opposite direction turned across into my path, " I couldn't see because of the sun" was the reply she gave the cops. It seemed that her attitude was if in doubt then go for it.

I now refuse to go out when the sun is low and bright , especially hate it when the floor is wet as well, I wear sunglasses when the sun is out but how many drivers do ?

normally the sun visor helps in the car.. for the sun, obviously it doesnt for glare off the damp road....

so this morning was 'great' fog at some points mixed with road glare and bright sun!

 

[andy_wrx]

Funeral procession for Mel Vasey of Birkenhead North End, hit by a driver blinded by the sun in 2007 near the Eureka cafe

http://www.cyclechat...9269-mel-vasey/

http://www.bnecc.co....thecampaign.htm

 

[Globalti]

What a great way to send off a fellow cyclist.

The problem is that few drivers clean the insides of their windscreens and that grey film that accumulates is plasticiser migrating from the vinyls, one of the few problems the motor industry has never succeeded in resolving.

 

[Cush]

I was driving East on the A65 two weeks ago at 07:30, the sun was right in my eyes and for about an hour I was down to 20-30MPH and in places a lot less, it realy was a horrible drive not a nice at all and very, very scary in places. Then as I came out of the sun I came on a badly signed diversion and after a Cooks tour, missed the start of the challange walk I was due to take part in by nearly thirty minutes and so decided not to start. On the way back on the same road I got caught by a speed trap in a 40 mile zone doing 48 (I was at fault, it was a fair cop, though I would argue that on that road it is very easy to do over 40 on when the sun is not in your eyes). The fixed penalty was waiting for me when I got home on Monday and all this was caused, because on the day before I did not fancy towing a caravan over Shap in the forecast high winds!!!.