Showing posts with label Sun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sun. Show all posts

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Beat the glare when driving



Traveling in a direction that faces the sun is inevitable, and when it is shining directly in your eyes, driving can be a challenge. Most drivers have experienced the blinding rays and glare in their line of vision.  Whether you are on your way to work in the morning or going out on your evening adventures — here are some tips that will help you.

Keep your windshield clean: Don’t just clean your windshield on the outside, dust can collect on the inside as well, making the glare from the sun even worse.  Check your windshield for cracks or small pits in the surface.

Check your defrost system and windshield wipers: Frost and condensation from dew can make driving in the morning challenging. Check to make sure your car is equipped to clear your windshield.

Use your sun visor: While this may not help you when the sun is directly on the horizon, it is beneficial when the sun is slightly higher in the sky. Consider researching sun visor extensions to get more coverage across your line of vision.

Sunglasses: Your car comes equipped with sun visors, why shouldn’t you? Invest in sunglasses that not only look cool, but hep reduce glare.

Allow more space between vehicles: Driving with the sun directly in your line of sight can make it harder to see what is in front of you. Allowing for more distance can give you more room to stop.

Use your headlights: You can increase the chances of other motorists seeing you by driving with your headlights on.

Pay special attention at crosswalks: Double check each side of the road when you approach crosswalks and intersections. Look for shadows or any sign of movement before proceeding.

Use the road markings to help: If all these tips still leave you blindsided, look at the lines along the road or other visual cues.

Be prepared and stop in a safe location for a while when necessary — it’s better to arrive late than not at all.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Safety tips for the Great American Solar Eclipse


August 21, or “The Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017” as it has been dubbed by some, is sure to be a memorable day as people celebrate this exciting astronomical event.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the sun, darkening the sky. According to NASA’s website, the sun will be completely obstructed from view for about 2 minutes and 43 seconds. For this reason, Kansas Department of Transportation encourages travelers to take safety precautions and prepare for a safe place to stay and view the event.

Are you planning on traveling to reach the best view of the eclipse in Kansas? According to Topeka Capital-Journal, “In Kansas, the path of totality will cross Hiawatha, Atchison, Leavenworth, and on the very edge, Kansas City. Topeka will experience a partial eclipse, with Holton being on the outermost edge of the path of totality.” The path of totality is the area where the sun will be completely blocked from view.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 200 million people live within driving distance of the eclipse’s path of totality. An increase in traffic and travel time is expected on August 21.

Some safety measures to be aware of are included in the list below. Please read carefully and be safe this August 21 – but don’t forget to enjoy this one-in-a-lifetime experience!

  • Do not pull over to the side of the highway to observe the eclipse. Exit the highway to a safe location to view and/or photograph the event.
  • Do not take photos while driving - KDOT reminds motorists to always maintain full awareness when driving to help maintain safety for all other drivers and pedestrians.
  • Do not wear opaque eclipse glasses while driving.
  • Be prepared for potential traffic congestion before, during, and after the event - While only the northeast corner of the state will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, the rest of Kansas will still see part of the astronomical event.
  • Turn on vehicle headlights and do not rely solely on automatic headlights during the eclipse. - Because the sky will be darkened, the use of headlights during the eclipse will be needed.  
  • Pack an emergency travel kit - Check out our blog here for a list of suggested items to include in your safety kit.
  • Plan ahead for fuel needs - Always remember to keep your gas tank full during long trips.

To all our Kansas motorist and travelers: check the weather and plan accordingly - make sure to dress properly and be fully prepared for potential weather incidents when driving long distances. Check www.kandrive.org for road conditions affected by the weather or construction.

Excited to learn more? Visit the NASA website at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/ to learn more about #SolarEclipse2017.