Personal injuries in Northern Ireland do not subside when the weather turns pleasant. When it comes to traffic collisions, the sun’s rays can cause more harm than good. This article details common causes of RTAs in excessive sunshine.

 

Strong Sunshine Poses a High Serious Accident Rate

 

When we think of adverse weather conditions which impact our ability to drive, we do not think of sunshine. We think of rain, snow, and ice. However, sunshine causes glare on both wet and dry roads. The sun shining in a driver’s eyes is responsible for a large increase in serious accident rates when compared to plainer weather.

This study in the Wolters Kluwer Medicine Journal shows that the risk of accidents and injuries in bright sunlight is significantly increased. In fact, fatal and serious accidents can be as much as 16% more likely in sunny weather than in cloudy weather.

Another source, Belfast Live via Road Safety GB, attributes over 33,000 casualties on Northern Ireland’s roads to strong sunshine during the decade proceeding 2021. 24% of those were serious accidents and 19 people died as a result.

If you have become injured in a road traffic accident caused by the sun’s glare and you live in Northern Ireland, you can contact Lacey Solicitors Firm for help. We can offer expert advice and representation as we bring your personal injury claim to the responsible parties.

 

The Sun’s Glare is a Year-Round Threat to Drivers

 

Whether you are a victim of the low winter sun or the high early afternoon sunshine of mid-summer, the sun’s glare is a threat all year round.

Reasons accidents can be more severe during sunny days include:

•       When the sun is out, drivers find it harder to see signs or traffic signals.
•       Drivers facing the sun are less alert to potentially dangerous conditions.
•       Reflections and glare can cause accidents or optical illusions.
•     The average drink driver is more likely to consume alcohol on a sunny day.
•     Clear, blue skies create a false sense of security in the road ahead. Speeding is therefore more likely on these days.

 

Tips to Drive Safely on Sunny Days

 

There are many ways in which you can drive safely on sunny days, either as an individual driver or as a business/fleet owner. Safety tips include using anti-glare film on windscreens, using sunglasses even in winter, and pulling over to the side of the road when you cannot see because of the sun’s glare.

 

How to Claim Compensation After a Car Accident in the Sun

 

If you become injured during a road traffic accident caused by the low winter sun, you could bring a claim for compensation. If the accident was not your fault and you have enough evidence to support your case, then you should speak to one of the expert solicitors at Lacey Solicitors Firm.

If you were the driver, passenger, or pedestrian in a car accident, it is important to seek legal advice to proceed with a compensation claim. Use our online form to contact us today to find out how much your claim could be worth.