Tips and recommendations for driving with the sun in your eyes

When the heat arrives, the sun is a great ally for enjoying good weather, whether or not you are on holiday. When we get in the car it is a factor to take into account, since the dazzling glare we can experience during sunrise and sunset can cause accidents. Driving with the sun straight ahead can be just as dangerous as driving in rain or fog, as you lose sight of what is in front of you.

The visual fatigue you can suffer when driving with high levels of brightness during the central hours of the day is another risk factor. 5% of accidents in Spain happen due to glare during those hours of the day, 20% of accidents are head-on collisions on two-way roads or rear-end collisions on motorways or dual carriageways, 16% are run-off-road accidents and 2% are pedestrian knockdowns.

Sunglasses are the item that helps keep our eyes from tiring excessively and reduces the risk of glare or temporary blindness, increasing road safety. 20% of drivers never wear sunglasses when driving.

When it comes to choosing sunglasses, few drivers know which are the best for driving. You have to take several factors into account, such as the different levels of absorption of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, that they are approved and labelled with the CE mark, and that they have polarised lenses.

Polarised lenses provide clearer vision, eliminating the annoying glare that can come from road surfaces, signs or our own car, and reducing visual fatigue.

Classification of sunglasses by their solar filter

• Solar filter 1 sunglasses: they have an absorption rate below 56% of UV rays, so they are recommended for cloudy days or low brightness.
• Solar filter 2 sunglasses: they have an absorption rate of 56% to 80% of UV rays, so they are ideal for sunny autumn and winter days when there is medium brightness and the sun is not as strong and direct.
• Solar filter 3 sunglasses: they have an absorption rate of 82% to 91% of UV rays, and are ideal for drivers on sunny summer days, in high mountain areas or at the beach.
• Solar filter 4 sunglasses: they have a UV absorption rate of over 92%, so their use is recommended for sailing or skiing. They are prohibited and penalised when driving.

Among the recommendations for choosing the best lens for sunglasses, the lens should be as natural as possible, and grey, blue-tinted or brown lenses are always recommended. These distort natural colours the least.

Measures to take to avoid glare from the sun straight ahead

• When driving, use polarised sunglasses with blue-tinted lenses.
• When the sun dazzles you, keep your vehicle’s path and reduce speed. Never brake suddenly.
• If you are driving with the sun straight ahead and it dazzles you, it is advisable to stop and wait five minutes for the sun to change direction.
• If you drive for many hours in high brightness or with the sun straight ahead, reduce your speed and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
• Oncoming drivers should use dipped headlights so that you have a new point of reference. This helps drivers see you better when they have the sun in their eyes.
• Buy your glasses from opticians and approved shops, where they will recommend the best ones for each of us and for any situation.
• The sun visor should always be extendable and foldable or movable, but should only be used in specific moments of strong glare, as it reduces your field of vision.
• Never drive wearing sunglasses at night or in dark areas such as tunnels.
• Keep the front windows clean. Dirt increases the risk of glare and reduces your field of vision.
• Look after your eyes at all times. Have an annual eye check-up with an ophthalmologist or optician.

Source | Formaster