
Autumn is a beautiful season to drive through – golden leaves, misty mornings, and dramatic skies. But it also brings one of the most dangerous driving challenges of the year: low sun glare.
Between September and November, the angle of the sun sits lower in the sky during morning and late afternoon commutes. Combine that with wet roads and dirty windscreens and you have the perfect storm for dangerous glare that can temporarily blind you while driving.
In fact, the AA reports that low sun is a contributing factor in thousands of road accidents every year — yet most drivers don’t protect their eyes properly.
Why Is Autumn Sun So Dazzling?
Low sun glare happens because:
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The sun is closer to the horizon, shining directly into your line of sight.
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Light reflects off wet roads, car bonnets and windscreens, intensifying glare.
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Dirty or scratched windscreens scatter light and reduce visibility.
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Heavy contrast between bright sun and dark shadows makes judging distances harder.
Even if you have perfect eyesight, glare can dramatically reduce:
✅ Reaction time
✅ Ability to see braking lights ahead
✅ Road hazards like cyclists or pedestrians
✅ Confidence behind the wheel
Why Standard Sunglasses Aren’t Enough
Most sunglasses reduce brightness, but they don’t tackle glare. That’s because glare is caused by horizontal light waves reflecting off surfaces – something normal sunglasses cannot filter effectively.
That’s where polarised lenses come in.
What Are Polarised Lenses?
Polarised lenses contain a special filter that blocks horizontal reflected light, eliminating harsh glare. Instead of just making things darker, like standard sunglasses, they improve visual clarity and contrast.
Benefits of Polarised Lenses for Autumn Driving
Benefit | Why it matters when driving |
---|---|
Reduces glare from wet roads | Safer driving after rain or during low sun |
Improves contrast | Makes road markings and vehicles easier to see |
Sharper vision | Reduces eye strain and fatigue |
Better reaction time | Helps you drive more confidently and safely |
More comfortable | Especially for light-sensitive eyes |
Real-World Driving Example
Picture this: you’re driving home in the late afternoon. The sun suddenly drops just above the trees, hitting your windscreen at exactly the wrong angle. You squint, reach for your sun visor, and hope for the best.
With polarised lenses, that blast of glare is filtered instantly. You stay in control, relaxed, and able to see clearly. It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your driving safety.
Can I Have Polarised Varifocals?
Absolutely. Modern lens technology means you can now have:
✅ Polarised single vision lenses (distance)
✅ Polarised varifocals
✅ Polarised prescription sunglasses
✅ Polarised lenses with Transitions or mirror finishes
✅ Drive-specific lens designs for even sharper road vision
At Jacksons Styling Opticians, we recommend polarised lenses for anyone who drives regularly, especially during autumn and winter.
Final Thought
Autumn driving doesn’t have to be a glare-filled challenge. With the right lenses, you’ll see more clearly, react faster, and protect your eyes — all while staying safe on the road.
If you’d like to experience the difference polarised lenses make, pop in for a demonstration or bring your current sunglasses and we’ll show you the upgrade options available.