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Warm, sunny conditions across the North East may appear ideal for driving, but they introduce their own set of risks. Glare, fatigue and increased traffic volumes can all impact your ability to drive safely.

To help you stay safe on the roads, here are some practical considerations when driving in bright and warm weather.

Preparing to drive in warm weather

A small amount of preparation can make a noticeable difference to both safety and comfort when driving in bright conditions.

• Ensure your windscreen is clean, as streaks and dust can intensify glare.
• Top up washer fluid, particularly during dry spells.
• Keep sunglasses, ideally with polarised lenses, in the vehicle to improve visibility.
• Check tyre pressure, as heat can cause expansion.
• Make sure coolant levels are sufficient to reduce the risk of overheating.

Warm weather often brings increased traffic, especially on popular routes and at weekends, so allowing extra time for your journey is sensible.

Adjusting your driving in bright sunshine

Strong sunlight can impair visibility just as much as poor weather. Glare, particularly when the sun is low, can make it difficult to see hazards or judge distances accurately.

You should reduce your speed where visibility is affected and maintain a greater distance from the vehicle ahead. Sun visors and sunglasses can assist, but they do not eliminate the risk entirely.

Care is also needed when moving between bright and shaded areas. Your eyes may take time to adjust, which can briefly affect your awareness of the road.

The risks of sun glare on Teesside’s roads

Sun glare is a frequent cause of accidents during warm weather, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

It can lead to:

• Temporary loss of vision.
• Slower reaction times.
• Difficulty assessing distances and road conditions.

If glare becomes too severe, slowing down is essential. In some situations, pulling over safely until visibility improves may be the most appropriate course of action.

Vehicle performance in hot conditions

Higher temperatures can affect how your vehicle performs. Engines are more prone to overheating, particularly in slow-moving traffic, while tyres may be at greater risk of failure if pressures are not properly maintained.

Regular checks and routine servicing become increasingly important during warmer periods to avoid preventable breakdowns.

What to do if you break down

If you breakdown, there are some things you should consider.

• If you can, move your vehicle to a safe position and switch on hazard lights.
• Exit the vehicle if it is safe and wait away from traffic.
• Stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure where possible.
• Contact roadside assistance promptly.

The impact of heat on driver fatigue

Warm conditions can have a direct effect on concentration and alertness. Prolonged exposure to heat, particularly in slow-moving traffic or vehicles without effective air conditioning, can lead to dehydration, drowsiness and reduced reaction times.

Driver fatigue caused by heat is often underestimated, but it can impair judgement in much the same way as long-distance driving without rest. Even short journeys can become more hazardous if you are uncomfortable or struggling to stay focused.

To reduce the risk:

• Keep the vehicle well-ventilated or use air conditioning where available.
• Stay hydrated before and during your journey.
• Take regular breaks on longer trips.
• Avoid driving if you feel excessively tired or lethargic.

If you begin to feel drowsy while driving, you should find a safe place to stop as soon as possible. Continuing to drive in that condition significantly increases the risk of an accident.

The Highway Code

We encourage all motorists to stay familiar with the Highway Code and review it regularly, especially when preparing for a journey in warm and sunny weather.

Visit GOV.UK: The Highway Code to read the official guide published by the Department for Transport.

Road traffic accidents in sunny weather

Even in clear conditions, accidents remain common. Increased traffic, reduced visibility from glare and driver complacency all play a role.

We are road traffic accident claims solicitors with offices in Middlesbrough & Redcar 

Even with the best precautions, sunny conditions can sometimes result in an accident. If you find yourself in such a situation, Contact Us for advice on your situation.

You can learn more about our services at Road Traffic Accident Claims.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as advice of any kind.