Fall is arguably the best season we have. It’s a call to the wild, drawing us into nature with its leafy light shows and crisp, cool, refreshing air. But, have you ever wondered why the sun feels blinding immediately following the fall equinox? We all experience it. On our morning commute, everyone annoyingly drives a bit slower because they are being blinded by the sun. You could try to put your hand up or pull down your visor, but that limits your visibility even more! Is this sudden irritation of the sun’s brightness just a symptom of being salty that summer is over, or is there more to it?
The truth is, there’s validity to your annoyance about the extra sharp morning and evening sun glare as the seasons begin to transition. In the fall and winter months, the sun is lower in the sky, so when its light hits the surface it reflects at a lower angle. *Cue annoying cupping of hands around eyes.*
Beyond being a nuisance, it's actually incredibly dangerous. The glare can leave your eyes temporarily blind for 2-3 seconds after exposure while they adjust. If you’re driving, that’s 2-3 seconds of not being able to see pedestrians, oncoming traffic or the car in front of you.
AAA offers suggestions on how to alleviate some of the issues associated with the lower sun, stating that having a good pair of polarized sunglasses is crutial to your safety during these months. Polarized shades will offer the protection you need while not limiting your line of sight like a visor or your hand would.
On a side note, did you know all those different lens colors actually mean something and can prove benefitial to you in different scenarios? Read more about it!
In addition to anti-glare sunglasses, having a clean windshield is also vital to keeping yourself and those around you safe. It's a good idea to note the time of day you are driving as well since the earlier morning hours deliver the worst sun glare. Finally, leave plenty of room between yourself and the driver ahead of you.
Fall is a call for adventure, an invitation to unplug and reconnect with the nurturing rhythms of nature. Keep your eyes protected so that you can arrive safely where you’re headed and never miss a great fall moment!
Trying to figure out which Shades are polarized? We made it easy. ALL of our KZ shades are polarized with anti-glare lenses to ensure crystal clear views.