With a heatwave sweeping across the UK, the sun's glare can make driving difficult. Many drivers will reach for their sunglasses, but it's important to know the risks and legal requirements of wearing them while driving, as choosing the wrong sunglasses can lead to a £1,000 fine and increase the risk of accidents.
A TikTok by @hannahnoliver shocked social media users, showing how she lost her eyeball after her sunglasses shattered in a car crash.
So, how can you stay safe and legal behind the wheel? We offer our top tips to help you stay safe when driving in sunglasses.
Drivers can be at high risk when wearing sunglasses that aren’t shatter-resistant at the wheel. Wearing shatter-resistant sunglasses reduces the risk of injury if a driver ends up in an accident on the road.
UK regulations pose the risk of drivers being fined up to £1,000 and three points on their licence if they drive wearing inappropriate eyewear. If glasses are too dark that they prevent drivers from seeing clearly, or make it difficult for you to see traffic signals clearly. Tinted glasses or lenses that overly restrict vision are particularly hazardous. Always ensure your sunglasses are appropriate for driving conditions, providing clear vision without overly dark tints.
Many drivers are seen to wear fashion sunglasses at the wheel. However, many fashion sunglasses often lack adequate UV protection, posing a risk to your eyes. You can check that your sunglasses meet UK standards of blocking 99-100% UV radiation by looking for the British and European standard markings on the label. Avoid sunglasses with deep side arms, as they can obstruct peripheral vision and compromise driving safety.
“Stay safe while driving during a UK heatwave by wearing shatter-resistant, UV-protected, and glare-reducing sunglasses in good condition, and always keep a spare pair in your car.”
Blinding glare on the roads can be a lethal factor when driving in the sun. Drivers are likely to be dazzled by low sun, or the glare reflecting off surrounding vehicles. The correct pair of sunglasses can minimise this risk. Wearing sunglasses with a polarised lens will reduce the glare from surfaces and roads.
Drivers may not be aware that if you were to be involved in a collision on the roads, whilst wearing unsuitable eyewear then you may be liable to prosecution. If your glasses have any scratches or external damages, this goes against the laws set out in the highway code and can result in drivers being liable to prosecution. Ensure your eyewear is in good condition, free from scratches or defects, to comply with highway code regulations and avoid legal consequences.
As we approach summertime in the UK, the sun can cause glares on the road and squinting in the sun restricts vision. Having a spare pair of sunglasses in your car ensures for safe driving when the sun appears, and minimises the risk of restricted vision. Sudden changes in weather can catch you off guard, and having a backup ensures you're always prepared to drive safely, even when the sun is unexpectedly bright.
Driving during a UK heatwave requires extra precautions, especially when it comes to eyewear. By choosing the right sunglasses, ensuring they meet safety standards, and maintaining them in good condition, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and legal issues.
For more information on safe driving, visit our Motoring Guides hub.
