LOW WINTER SUN GLARE FACING WESTBOUND TRAFFIC IN CATALKOY

Location: Çatalköy

During winter months, the position of the sun changes the behaviour of the main east–west corridor through Catalkoy. Between approximately 15:45 and 17:00, westbound drivers traveling toward Kyrenia encounter low-angle sunlight that aligns directly with their line of sight.

The exposure does not arise from darkness.

It arises from excess brightness.

When the winter sun drops toward the horizon over the sea-facing direction, its angle becomes shallow enough to strike windshields horizontally. Even with functional visors and tinted glass, visual contrast decreases.

Brake lights ahead remain visible, but peripheral detail fades.

A common scenario develops on the main corridor near feeder road junctions. Traffic moves at moderate speed. A vehicle ahead begins routine deceleration for a right turn or mild congestion ripple.

The following driver, facing direct glare, perceives deceleration slightly later than under neutral lighting conditions.

The delay is subtle but measurable.

Glare also reduces depth perception. Vehicles appear flatter and closer to the horizon line. Distance estimation becomes less precise, especially when asphalt reflection intensifies brightness.

Catalkoy’s lower corridor, being closer to sea level and more open toward the west, amplifies this alignment. Upper hillside segments may experience partial shadow, but once vehicles descend toward the main axis, exposure increases.

Between 16:00 and 16:30 in mid-winter, the angle becomes most direct.

Another variation appears when dust or fine moisture particles are suspended in the air after dry days. These particles scatter sunlight, increasing diffuse glare across the windshield surface.

Drivers often respond by lowering speed slightly, but reaction time can still compress during sudden braking sequences.

Opposing eastbound traffic experiences less direct glare at the same moment. This directional asymmetry means westbound flow carries greater visual strain during the low-sun window.

Importantly, this is not high-speed impact exposure. It is routine braking compression under reduced contrast.

Even clean windshields cannot eliminate the effect entirely. Minor streaks or residue on glass intensify scattering. Older headlight lenses on oncoming vehicles may also reflect glare unpredictably.

After sunset completes and the sun drops fully below the horizon, glare disappears and contrast stabilizes under artificial lighting.

The highest sensitivity exists during the transitional phase when the sun remains visible but nearly horizontal.

In Catalkoy, where the corridor functions as both commuter route and residential access spine, braking events occur frequently. Each event during glare alignment shortens perceptual reaction margin.

Drivers do not lose control.

They respond fractionally later.

The road geometry does not change.

The solar angle does.

For a limited winter window each afternoon, westbound Catalkoy traffic operates under intensified brightness that masks detail rather than removing light.

Glare replaces shadow.

And timing shifts accordingly.