Under the scorching midday sun, as asphalt roads radiate heat, trucks diligently travel across all routes. Unbeknownst to many, these harsh weather conditions harbor traffic accident risks, deeply rooted in the phenomenon of midday road glare.
In this article, Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will thoroughly analyze the dangers trucks may encounter when driving on roads with midday glare, and provide safe driving solutions to help drivers maintain firm control on every journey.
The phenomenon of midday road glare occurs when sunlight shines directly onto the road surface, especially asphalt or concrete, creating a strong reflective layer of light. This reflection reduces visibility for drivers, making it difficult to identify vehicles and obstacles ahead.
In an original report from VTV, a dangerous traffic situation was captured by surveillance cameras. A man riding a motorcycle stopped abruptly in the middle of the road at midday.
Motorcyclist suddenly stops in the road, creating a dangerous situation.
Image capturing the moment a motorcyclist stops unexpectedly in the middle of the road, a potential traffic accident hazard due to midday road glare.
Simultaneously, a truck traveling behind, with its vision obscured by the midday road glare and unable to react in time, collided with the motorcycle. Fortunately, the motorcyclist reacted quickly and narrowly escaped injury.
Accident scene: truck and motorcycle collision due to sudden stop in midday glare.
Photo of the collision scene between a truck and a motorcycle caused by a sudden stop on a road reflecting sunlight at midday.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for all road users, especially truck drivers who frequently travel during midday. Road glare not only reduces visibility but also causes other consequences:
- Eye strain and stress: The dazzling light reflected from the road surface forces the eyes to constantly adjust, causing eye strain, stress, and reduced driver concentration.
- Difficulty in estimating distance: Reflection distorts the perception of distance, making it difficult for drivers to accurately estimate the distance to the vehicle ahead, easily leading to collisions.
- Increased cabin temperature: The road surface absorbs heat and reflects it back into the vehicle cabin, increasing the interior temperature, causing discomfort, fatigue, and reduced driver performance.
To ensure safety when driving trucks on roads with midday glare, Xe Tải Mỹ Đình recommends drivers to note:
- Reduce speed and increase safe following distance: Reducing speed gives drivers more time to react to unexpected situations. Increase the safe following distance from the vehicle ahead to ensure sufficient braking space when needed.
- Use polarized sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare, enhance contrast, and improve vision in bright light conditions.
- Regularly check and maintain the vehicle: Ensure the braking system, tires, and other components are in good working order, especially in hot weather conditions.
- Rest properly: Avoid driving continuously for long periods during midday. Take breaks to allow your eyes and body to relax, reducing stress and fatigue.
- Avoid sudden stops: In case of an emergency stop, carefully observe the rear and signal to other vehicles. If you need to pick up a dropped item, pull over to a safe roadside area before returning.
Traffic safety is paramount. Always raise your awareness of safe driving, especially when traveling on roads with midday glare. Xe Tải Mỹ Đình is always with drivers on every journey.