Drivers have been urged to follow simple steps which could increase road safety for thousands in the UK this month, as later sunsets impact driving conditions.
The step involves taking extra care around sun glare, which can drastically reduce visibility, obscuring brake lights, traffic signals, and even pedestrians crossing the road.
The warning follows reports by the Department for Transport, which revealed that 2,895 people were injured and 25 killed in crashes linked to dazzling sunlight in 2023.
With the sun currently setting at around 5.30pm, experts have urged commuters to be careful not to be impacted by low sunlight during peak traffic.
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Matt Clamp, customer service manager at Scrap Car Comparison, explained how motorists often underestimate the risks of so-called "sunset driving".
He said: "When sunset lines up with rush hour, it creates more challenging and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
"You've got busy roads, tired drivers and the sun sitting directly at eye level. Even a few seconds of glare can mean you don't spot a brake light or someone stepping into the road straight away."
"A drive that felt comfortable a few weeks ago may now put the sun directly in your line of sight. Drivers don't always anticipate how blinding that glare can be."
Drivers have been warned of increasing road dangers during low sun this month
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Experts explained that unlike midday sunshine, "low sun shines straight into drivers' eyes, reducing contrast and affecting depth perception".
Mr Clamp warned that drivers can be dazzled in a couple of seconds, which could see them miss something important.
More worryingly, the experts stated that wet, wintry roads can worsen the problem by reflecting light upward.
"Drivers heading west in the early evening are most likely to be affected because they're travelling directly towards the setting sun," Mr Clamp said.
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Drivers have been urged to use sun visors during the low sunsets
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To help avoid the glare, the expert urged drivers to keep a decent pair of polarised sunglasses in their vehicles, which can "cut glare significantly".
"Keep them within easy reach, such as in the door pocket or drinks holder, so you're not rummaging around for them after you've already been dazzled," he shared.
Drivers should also use the sun visor properly and lower it before the glare becomes a problem, with the expert encouraging drivers to use the side extension.
Having a clear windscreen can also help reduce the impact of sun glare with dirt and streaks on the inside of the glass, making the glare "much worse".
Experts have urged drivers to consider anti-glare measures this month
| GETTYMotorists have also been advised to slow down and increase stopping distances to avoid potential collisions with other vehicles.
In the UK, drivers should maintain at least a two-second gap behind the car in front, increasing to four seconds in the wet and difficult driving conditions.
Mr Clamp stated: "If the sun is affecting your view, ease off the accelerator and leave more space between you and the car in front. That will give you more time to react.
"It sounds simple, but a cap can block that strip of direct sunlight that sometimes slips past the visor."