Driving Tips & Hints for Low Vision & Disabled Drivers

See Me Drive > Low Vision Driving > Reducing Glare While Driving A Car With A Sunroof Or Convertible Top

Reducing Glare While Driving A Car With A Sunroof Or Convertible Top

This article deals with the difficulties car drivers may have from glare and harsh light from open sunroofs or convertible tops and what they can do to reduce the hazards.

Driving a convertible with the top down or a car with an open sunroof / moonroof has its perks. On those beautiful sunny summer days one can slide the sun roof back or drop the top and feel the sun and breeze as one drives down the highway. There is no doubt that it is a great feeling.

For many drivers including those low vision drivers with light sensitivity, driving a vehicle with the sun roof open or a convertible with the top down can make it difficult to see the road ahead or gauges on the dash. Driving in a fully enclosed car is like wearing a baseball cap with a nice wide brim, which helps to keep direct sunlight or glare at bay. The car's roof serves as the ultimate sun visor. When one opens the sunroof or puts the convertible top down you are effectively taking away the glare protection and creating a lot more reflections from the dashboard-especially if it is a light color. Glare or strong sunlight coming from an open sunroof makes looking ahead or at the dashboard very difficult and may present a safety hazord so be careful when using one.

Tips for reducing glare with a sunroof or convertible

1. Wear a hat or baseball cap with a large brim: By far the first line of defense when driving with an open top is to use a wide brimmed hat or baseball cap. It will help shield your eyes from the harsh sunlight as well as keep your head cool and possibly prevent sunburn. Best to use a cap with a dark color for the brim as light colors can reflect light back into your eyes.



2. Use sunglasses: Sunglasses can reduce the overall light levels, but don't choose very dark lenses as they can make it more difficult to read the gauges like the speedometer and tachometer because now that area will become too dark. Best to choose a pair of sunglasses that have an amber or lighter shade of brown tint as well as having polarized lenses to reduce harmful glare and reflections. It's all about finding the right compromise between reducing light yet still being able to read and see the instruments on the dash.



3. Do not use Armor-All on your dash: Using Armor-All or similar items on your dash gives it a real shiny appearance that will dramatically amplify glare and reflections especially if your dashboard is a light color. It's also a dirt and dust magnet so avoid using these items anywhere inside the car



4. Use tilting option or sunshade: Many sunroofs can open all the way or tilt (pop-up) so that only one end is partially open to allow ventilation. In addition, many sunroofs use tinted glass and also have a sliding sunshade. Consider only tilting open the car's sunroof if all you want is fresh air. Also consider sliding open only the interior sunshade and leaving the tinted sunroof closed if all you want is a little light from above.



5. When shopping for a new car, choose an interior with a dark color such as black or dark grey especially for the dashboard as it reflects less light and glare. Also watch for chrome or silver accents which can reflect light.

Featured Driving Articles

Driving Tips

1. How to Drive in the Snow and Winter - Winter Driving Tips
2. How to Reduce Glare on Car Windows
3. How to Drive on a Highway Without Fear
4. The Pros and Cons of Driving A Car With A Sunroof Or Convertible Top
5. Using Your Car's Sun Visors to Reduce Glare
6. Mastering Driving With One Hand

Tips to Save Gas

1. Driving Tips To Save Gas [1]
2. Driving Tips To Save Gas [2]
3. Driving Tips To Save Gas [3]
4. Car-Free and Gas Saving Alternatives
5. Buying a Hybrid | Fuel-Efficient Car
6. Saving at the Pump | Find the Cheapest Gas Prices
7. Gas Saving Car Care | Maintenance Tips [1]
8. Gas Saving Car Care | Maintenance Tips [2]

Low Vision & Driving

1. How To Get A Driver's License With A Low Vision Disability

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.