Drivers Must Have This Essential Item in Their Cars During April
Motorists are being warned to ensure they are not caught out by changing weather conditions as we enter April. While the weather has been mixed lately, the arrival of April means we are now firmly in spring, bringing spells of sunnier and warmer weather that could leave drivers unprepared.
Why Sunglasses Are Crucial for Spring Driving
Experts advise drivers to keep a pair of sunglasses in the car at all times to avoid being dazzled by bright sunshine. There are circumstances where motorists could get into trouble if they were deemed to have caused a crash and sunlight was a factor. Not taking precautions by wearing shades could be seen as contributing to the collision.
Regardless of how likely this is in reality, it is always a good idea to have a pair handy for safety reasons. Experts recommend keeping a dedicated pair for the car, as it can be easy to forget to bring them on journeys during our busy lives.
Important Warnings and Highway Code Rules
People must be careful to avoid wearing tinted glasses that are unsuitable for driving. A spokesperson for Nationwide Vehicle Contracts said: "Sunglasses can reduce sun glare while driving, but drivers must be wary as they can make LCD screens such as GPS and dashboards appear black or dim, resulting in a lack of attention while driving."
Highway Code Rule 94 advises drivers not to wear tinted glasses, lenses, or visors if they restrict vision, particularly at night or in poor visibility. Keith Hawes, from the firm, added: "Sun glare is one of the most underestimated hazards on the road. Even experienced drivers can be caught out by sudden bursts of bright light, especially during sunrise and sunset."
Strong glare can dramatically reduce your visibility and reaction time, so taking simple precautions like keeping your windscreen clean, wearing polarised sunglasses, and increasing your following distance can make a huge difference to your safety.
