Traffic safety experts urge motorists to be sun-glare aware at sunrise and sunset this time of year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sun glare causes approximately 9,000 crashes each year. It’s the second environmental-related reason drivers get into crashes, with the first being slick roads.

“After the time changes from Daylight Saving Time to standard time, the sunrise and sunset hours more closely align with morning and evening commuting hours, which means large numbers of drivers will encounter the sun low on the horizon during their morning and evening drives,” said Lou Hatter, the Virginia Department of Transportation public affairs manager for the Culpeper District. “In some locations the sun appears to hover just above the roadway, creating blinding glare that is difficult to avoid and can leave drivers unable to see the road and other vehicles around them.”

In past years, seasonal sun glare has been determined to be a contributing fac...