AIBU to think when you reach a give way sign and there is bright sunlight you stop till you can see the way is clear.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

It has been a long weekend on-call, there have been many broken animals. I am low on sleep, but have had a good coffee this morning so ready to fix some more.
I was driving to a rural branch surgery this morning through a small village windy road and the village has a primary school so I drive with caution expecting hazards.
I was on the main road and there is a small road that gives way before it enters the main road. This morning it was bright autumn sunshine I had my sunglasses on, but there was glare so you had to be careful.
The small road runs parallel to the main road for approx. 50 yards so I saw an Audi A7 fractional ahead of me and saw the lady with her hand to her head to shade her eyes from the sun. She then entirely failed to give way and pulled out straight in front of me. Fortunately anticipating such stupidity I was able to stop before I hit her. She entirely failed to acknowledge that she had nearly caused and accident, well actually I don't think she even looked in her rear view mirror at all.
Normally I just shrug and think thank god I anticipated your stupidity, but this morning just feel a bit shocked and tearful.

I always wonder about people who claim to be PERFECTLY aware of their surroundings when driving, because in situations like this - blinding sun - you have to be patient and slow, but there is always a high risk because you can't see everything. And yet you never see someone pulling over until a cloud passes.

I also think people need to think in such situations about how well the other driver can see AND help them out - you knew she was struggling to see OP, so could have been courteous and aided the situation by creating a gap for her.

Well done. You did good driving there. You are right she's an idiot. Unfortunately there are a lot of them on the roads.

One of the skills taught in defensive driving is maintaining an awareness of the sun's position and if you are in the direction of sun glare then assume that you are invisible.

Whenever I'm against the winter sun, I recognise there's a high chance those coming the other way could have fuck all visibility, so I'm extremely cautious and considerate: and I hope if our positions were reversed, they would extend me the same courtesy.

Also, if they can't see as per your title, how long would you expect them to wait there? As it could be a few hours.

I also think people need to think in such situations about how well the other driver can see AND help them out - you knew she was struggling to see OP, so could have been courteous and aided the situation by creating a gap for her.

I think that's a bit ridiculous. If there's a give way sign and you can't see you should assume you can't go not that you can! It's easier to see if you're stopped (can move your head to a different position) protect yourself from the glare. If you literally can't see at all you'd at least edge out.

The glare of the sun was in front of her, if she had stopped and turned her head she would have seen me clearly.
Give way means, you can continue if your path is clear, if you are uncertain or the path is not clear you need to stop.

I had driven with caution, but need to continue to proceed as I had just come round a blind bend and was at risk of someone going into the back of me.

YANBU OP

I drive very carefully but I nearly drove out in front of someone about an hour ago because of the sun in my eyes. Little village, pootling along, joining muddy lane which never has anything coming down the hill. Nothing coming from the right and then I did the glance to the left squinting into the sun and started to move a bit ... then saw the car ... so braked. No big deal - don't think the other car even realised i'd not seen it at first. But it did make me think Be More Careful !!

Is your car black? If it is it would be extremely difficult to spot if the sun was shining towards you. Especially if the road was a bit wet from dew.

I speak from experience. I live in fear of little blank cars.

I think that's a bit ridiculous. If there's a give way sign and you can't see you should assume you can't go not that you can! It's easier to see if you're stopped (can move your head to a different position) protect yourself from the glare. If you literally can't see at all you'd at least edge out.

I didn't say I thought going was a great idea or what the driver did was good! Just a general point that if you know the sun is producing glare then consider the effect upon other drivers, and potentially be helpful.

The glare of the sun was in front of her, if she had stopped and turned her head she would have seen me clearly.

Really? Because I find usually that low winter sun doesn't stick neatly to the centre of your vision. I always stop at a certain roundabout through autumn even though I can see there are no cars coming from the right, because it is very easy for cyclists to be missed by side-glare in the way cars can't. I've been beeped more than once for 'hesitation', but about one in ten times there's a cyclist who I couldn't have seen without stopping.

I can usually see this happening ahead of time too. While it is annoying I am always sure to give such drivers a good scare by honking. I imagine if they realize it was such an unintentional close call they won't do it again. This, ofcourse, won't stop the asshats who belief everyone should give way to them, but with an honest mistake it's a wake up call.

@thecatsthecats I have been driving in the village for 20 years know the roads incredibly well in all different conditions, if she had paused and turned her head she would have seen me.