Motorists Warned as Sun-Strike Season Approaches

10 May 2018

Statistics reveal high number of crashes related to sun-strike

There have been 780 people injured and 21 killed in crashes involving sunstrike over the last five years, crash analysis from the Automobile Association has revealed.

With May to August being the worst months of the year for sun-strike and related crashes, Specsavers and AA are reminding motorists to be cautious of the effects of the changing road conditions.

Sunstrike happens when the sun hits the windscreen, causing glare and making it hard to see the road ahead. The problem intensifies on mornings and afternoons, when the sun is low in the sky.

From 2013-2017, the AA’s crash analysis showed 141 serious injuries and 639 minor injuries were caused by sunstrike across the country. Most of these incidents occurred in May, which is the worst month of the year for sunstrike due to the position of the sun during peak hour driving times.

Specsavers New Lynn Optometrist, Philip Walsh, is urging locals to take measures to ensure they stay safe on the road.

“Sunstrike can be easily managed because all a driver needs to do to dramatically reduce the effects is put on sunglasses and lift down their car’s sunvisor,” says Philip.

“It’s a must for those who wear prescription glasses to also invest in prescription sunglasses or to wear sunglasses over their contact lenses while driving. This helps to maintain optimal vision and safety on the roads. Even if you don’t wear specs, decent quality polarised sunglasses will noticeably reduce sunstrike when you’re on the road.”

One of the most common, yet avoidable crashes due to sunstrike are those at intersections. These occur when drivers fail to see another vehicle or person. Rear-end crashes are the second most common type of incident, when a driver is unable to see that there is a vehicle slowing or stopped ahead of them.

AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen, says these accidents can be reduced if motorists take the right measures to ensure they can see clearly.

“If we look at the last five years, on average, 156 people are injured in crashes involving sun-strike each year. Good vision is absolutely essential to safe driving and simple things like keeping your windscreen clean, using your headlights during the day, keeping a good following distance and anticipating when you may suffer sunstrike can prevent crashes.

“Early morning and afternoons are the highest-risk times when all drivers, pedestrians and cyclists need to be extra cautious. Even if you’re not behind the wheel of a car, those who are might not be able to see you.”

Specsavers New Lynn Optometrist, Philip walsh adds, “It’s very important to ensure your vision is at its best when you’re driving, because if it isn’t, you’re ultimately putting yourself and others at risk.”

Specsavers recommends everyone has an eye exam once every two years and more frequently if there is a history of eye health issues, to ensure early detection of eye health conditions and appropriate treatment.

Since forming a partnership with the AA five years ago, Specsavers stores have carried out more than 500,000 free eye exams to AA Members and all AA Members are entitled to a free eye exam once every two years. Visit specsavers.co.nz or your local store for more information and to book an appointment.

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