The doctor warned Russians about the increased risk of accidents in the heat

In hot weather, drivers' eyesight is severely strained, as high temperatures affect the perception of the road environment and increase the likelihood of an accident. Khadizhat Suleymanova, a specialist at the Vision Ophthalmological center, told about this on July 29.

Ultraviolet radiation damages the tissues of the eye and increases the risk of developing cataracts, increases the likelihood of damage to the retina and the central area of the retina, which leads to visual impairment, damage to the cornea, and also increases the risk of developing pterygium, that is, the build-up of conjunctival tissue on the surface of the cornea.

"Hot weather reduces visual contrast (the ability to distinguish objects from the background). Bright light and glare from the asphalt make it difficult to distinguish objects. Drivers see pedestrians, signs, and traffic lights worse. It is more difficult for the eyes to focus, especially when changing the distance. This worsens the perception of moving objects — cars, cyclists. Reaction slows down, concentration decreases. These effects are comparable to the effects of alcohol," the doctor said in an interview with <url>.

Suleymanova also noted that the human eye adapts to light for up to 10 seconds. During this time, the driver cannot adequately assess the situation. Drivers over the age of 50 are at risk because their adaptation to light is reduced and their contrast sensitivity is impaired. The most dangerous time to drive is from 11:00 to 16:00, as the sun is most active at this time.

Weather apocalypse in Moscow: trams stopped, lightning struck Ostankino Tower

Experts predict that the rains will last until the end of the week.

On July 21, Stanislav Chekmarev, head of the PEC: MALL marketplace, told how to avoid accidents in summer during poor visibility and on slippery roads. So, in case of a sudden thunderstorm, it is recommended to reduce the speed by at least 30% (for example, from 120 km/h to 80 km/h), so that there is more time to react when obstacles occur. He added that turning on the low beam will help improve visibility, and fog lights should only be used in conditions of heavy rain or fog.

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