Drivers are being urged to ensure they have a crucial safety item in their cars this June: sunglasses. Motoring experts warn that failing to carry a pair could leave motorists vulnerable to dazzling sunlight, particularly on wet roads where glare is intensified.
Why Sunglasses Are Essential in Summer
With the start of summer, brighter and sunnier conditions become more frequent. While many drivers used sunglasses during the May heatwave, June marks the beginning of longer, warmer days. The combination of direct sunlight and reflective wet surfaces can create hazardous driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, emphasises the importance of having a dedicated pair of sunglasses in the car. 'Carrying a spare pair of legal sunglasses in your glove box is essential during these brighter months - especially in the UK when we don't know when the sun will appear,' he said.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are suitable for driving. Wilson explains that sunglasses are categorised from one to four based on lens darkness. Category two is the most common and appropriate for road use. However, category four lenses are too dark for driving, and small fashion glasses, yellow-tinted glasses, or those with large side arms can also be dangerous.
Wearing inappropriate eyewear could lead to a charge of dangerous driving, which carries hefty fines, penalty points, and even prison time. Additionally, if an accident occurs due to compromised vision, the driver's insurance may be invalidated.
Practical Advice for Drivers
Experts recommend keeping a spare pair of sunglasses in the glove compartment to avoid forgetting them during rushed morning commutes or school runs. If sunlight becomes too intense while driving, motorists should slow down or pull over until it is safe to continue.
As Wilson notes: 'It's your responsibility to make sure your vision isn't compromised. If you don't protect your eyes properly from the sun and you have an accident, you could invalidate your car insurance.'
