We’ve all heard of highways being closed down due to ice and snow or even wind, but sun?? That’s what happened in Colorado recently when Interstate 70 was shut down due to “extreme sun glare.”
According to The Coloradoan, from early November through early February, the sun’s angle, in combination with the hill and the highway’s configuration, can create a blinding sun glare for drivers as they head eastbound near Idaho Springs. The glare occurs from approximately 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.
One particular day in December, it was so bad that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) actually shut down the highway for several hours. They also offered some ways to deal with sun glare:
- Make sure your windshield is clean on the inside and outside
- Wear a good pair of sunglasses to provide shading
- Expect traffic slowdowns and adjust your speed to avoid sudden reactions
- Let off the accelerator and slow down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes, if suddenly blinded by the sun