Drivers Must Keep Sunglasses in Cars from Monday as Sun Glare Risk Grows
Motorists across England are being advised to ensure they have a pair of sunglasses in their vehicles from Monday, as warming spring weather is expected to create increased safety hazards on the roads. Experts warn that sunnier conditions could leave drivers caught out by sudden bursts of bright light, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
Why Sunglasses Are Essential for Spring Driving
The arrival of warmer weather in April brings with it a greater risk of drivers being dazzled by sunlight, particularly during sunrise and sunset periods. This glare can dramatically reduce visibility and reaction times, making it one of the most underestimated hazards on the road.
Keith Hawes from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts emphasized: "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."
Drivers are being told they should keep a dedicated pair of sunglasses in their car at all times to protect against this risk. Having them readily available ensures motorists won't forget them during rushed journeys in our busy daily lives.
Important Safety Considerations
While sunglasses can reduce sun glare while driving, experts caution that drivers must be selective about what type they use. A spokesperson for Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explained: "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 specifically advises against wearing tinted glasses, lenses, or visors if they restrict vision, particularly at night or in poor visibility conditions. Drivers must ensure they avoid wearing tinted glasses that are unsuitable for driving.
Additional Safety Precautions Recommended
Beyond keeping sunglasses in the vehicle, experts recommend several other simple precautions that can significantly improve driving safety during sunny conditions:
- Keeping windscreens clean to reduce glare
- Choosing polarized sunglasses that effectively reduce glare
- Increasing following distance to allow for reduced reaction times
- Being particularly cautious during sunrise and sunset hours
These measures become increasingly important as the April weather is expected to get sunnier and warmer from Monday onward, with conditions likely to persist through the end of the month.
There are circumstances where motorists could face serious consequences if they were deemed to have caused a crash where sunlight was a contributing factor. For both legal and safety reasons, having appropriate eyewear readily available in the vehicle is considered essential preparation for spring driving conditions.
