Using Your Car's Sun Visors to Reduce Glare
Just about every car, foreign or domestic, comes with a set of sun visors that allow drivers to swing them down or to the sides to block glare and reflections from the sun while driving. Many also have a small amount of a gradient tint at the top portion of the windshield that helps to reduce glare.
For those with low vision and especially those with albinism and/or sensitivity to light, the proper use of a sun visor can make a world of difference while driving at all times. While it is natural for most to flip the visor down in early morning or sunset situations, they can be used throughout the day and even at night.
With so many different kinds of cars, some visors are better than others. Let's take the 2000 Toyota Camry as that is the car I am driving now. The visors on the Camry are large and also have extenders that slide out on the sides facing the rearview mirror. Sliding the extension pieces out towards the reaview mirror helps to cure the problem where the sun or glare is coming from between both visors. A very clever solution and one that other car manufacturers have used. For example in older Mercedes Benz sedans they had a third mini-visor directly above the rearview mirror that helped to cover that area.
As helpful as the sun visors can be they can get in the way. For example, being the first car stopped at a traffic light with the visor down may block your view of the signal requiring you to flip the visor up slightly or even ducking your head down a little. More importantly, it is disrupting your overall view of the road so you will need to pay careful attention for road hazards, other cars and pedestrians. Use the sun visors in your automobile to reduce the glare, but use them responsibly.
If your sunvisors are inadequate at reducing glare because they are too small you can add cardboard pieces to extend their coverage or try a retractable sun glide sunshade. Another option is looking into the sporty tint shields that one can apply to the upper portion of the windshield. They sometimes have the name of the car embossed on them, but perhaps they sell a plain version.
While driving you will be making frequent turns or driving on winding roads making the sun tricky to block. Instead of constantly swinging the visor from the windshield to the side window, I sometimes rest my left elbow on the driver's side door and place my hand by my left eye to block the sun. Please note that this may block your side vision so use this only for momentary blocking of the sun and keep checking your side mirrors for traffic and pedestrians.
Despite good sun visors you may find that you still have glare on the windshiled. This may come from using Armorall or some other high gloss spray on the tops of your dashboard. In this situation it is advisable to thoroughly clean the dash surface with a mild detergent and resist the temptation to apply any oily finishing spray. I did this on my Camry and have eliminated most glare and find it much safer and easier to drive.
(+) Add Your Low Vision Driving Tips & Stories Here
READER COMMENTS...
What ever happened to the small prism, mounted where the dashboard meets the windshield? This permitted the driver to see overhead traffic signals despite visors, windshield tints, etc. It also was great for tall people in short cars.
Carl
That sounds like a great item to have in a car. Please describe this prism as I have never noticed it in any car I've been in. Any recent cars have this feature?
Posted by: Bernie | Nov 28, 06 | 12:19 pmBernie, Carl and I remember prism's from the 1950's sold in most auto parts places, Western Auto, JC Whitney, etc. It happens that I have a 2006 Chrystler 300 and I am searching desparately for one of those now. Many new cars have the same problem created by the increased crash protection in the door/A pillar area that created a shorter windshield, thus the problem seeing traffic lights.
Posted by: Put-Put | May 20, 07 | 1:55 pm
Carl, and Bernie, I found the 'stop light prism'on this website:
speedwaymotors.com and type stop light prism in the search box.
Thanks Put-Put for the info and link. I added a picture of the Stop Light Prism so that others know what it looks like. Never saw one till now, but it looks like a nice item to have on the dash.
Posted by: Bernie | May 20, 07 | 5:55 pmBack in the ancient 1950s and before, cars used to have an optional visor that hung out over the windshield. You had to have one of these things to be able to see the light if you were first at an intersection. I am glad to see that they still make them. I usually keep my visor down and have been wanting one. From looking at several designs, it looks like you might be able to cut a clear plastic backup light lens to use instead.
Posted by: Wm | Mar 13, 08 | 10:53 amMy vehicle (2006) does not have a visor which can be swung to cover sunlight entering from the drivers window.
Do you have any suggestions. I don't want to invent a swivel hinge, nor do I want to pay $99.95 to purchase two of them. Tom
Sorry, I came across this post really late but thought I'd add a comment in case anyone responds.
Does anyone have any advice for reducing sun glare for short people? I am 5'2" and all the sun visors in cars do not extend low enough to block the sun from my eyes. I drive "blind" most of the time and it is really scary. I try to "lift" myself up out of the seat while keeping my feet on the pedals, but that doesn't work so well either. I've already tried to sit on a pillow but it was slippery on my leather seats and dangerous. I want a visor that actually works for someone of my height. If anyone has heard of or seen anything that would work, could you please post it on here? Thanks!!
Laura,
While not an elegant solution, you could try extending your car's sun visors by adding cardboard with Velcro tape so that they go down further than your regular sun visors.
If you prefer something more permanent then try this Sun Visor Extender. I've never tried it, but it seems to fit your needs.
Hope this helps and let us know if you find a suitable solution so this way we can all help each other out.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE FORM BELOW:
Disclaimer
Please understand that not every person with low vision is able to drive. This is a very serious matter that needs to be discussed with those close to you and your low vision doctor. Not only must you have vision good enough for doctors to correct, but you must also be willing to accept the challenge and go through what can be a long and arduous process that can last a year or more. This site is NOT a medical or an authoritative driving site nor affiliated with any and information contained in it does not override professional advice. Every person has different needs and capabilities so use this site merely as a stepping stone and discuss everything with your doctor, DMV official, auto mechanic... first! See the many topics below and feel free to add your driving comments and share your experience. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this site please pass it on to them.