Driving With Sunglasses On
Sunglasses can be a very good option when driving during the summer months, where bright levels of sunshine can often reflect off surfaces causing a large amount of dazzle to the driver, affecting your view of the road ahead. Alternatively, they can also be useful in winter, when the sun is low in the sky or light is being reflected off snow or ice. It’s important to know exactly which type of sunglasses are allowed when driving, as there are strict laws regarding this. Glare is frequently cited as the cause of road traffic accidents, but the right pair of sunglasses can prevent it.
There are two important requirements for sunglasses to be used for driving – vision must remain clear, and sufficient light must get into your eyes so you can see properly. Sunglasses sold for general use can be too dark or unsuitable for driving. Sun lenses for driving fall into two main categories, fixed tint and variable tint.
Using Fixed Tint Glasses for Driving
These remain the same level of darkness regardless of light the outdoor conditions. Fixed tint sunglasses are readily available and a fixed tint can be added to prescription glasses.
Using Variable Tint Glasses for Driving
These have the advantage of changing their tint level when exposed to different variations of light When exposed to bright levels of light, they become darker. Unfortunately, these lenses only react to UV light aren’t suitable for driving because car windscreens filter out UV, slowing and limiting the reaction of the lenses. Therefore, you could find yourself driving with lenses too light as a result.
For driving, you’ll require sunglasses designed to react to visible light as well as to UV to ensure that they will adapt to the varying light conditions when driving.
Standards Infomation for Sunglasses
The EU sets these standards for sunglasses, this means that are rules to ensure that:
- The lenses are shatterproof and scratch resistance
- Lenses provide good protection for the wearer
- Frames are sweat resistant
- Frames are reasonably strong
Pairs of sunglasses sold within the EU should be marked with a CE label, any sunglasses not marked in this way do not meet the minimum standards for driving.
Furthermore, not all sunglasses provide the same level of tint. Some can be darker than other and other suited for certain conditions, some are too dark to drive in the first place. Therefore, the EU has also created a grading system to help categorise sunglasses.
Category 1 Sunglasses:
Has a light tint (43%-80% light allowed in), for use in low sunlight and never to be used during the night. However, buying category 1 sunglasses and using them in situations of bright glare may not have much of an effect.
Category 2 Sunglasses:
Are general purpose sunglasses (18%-43% light allowed in), for use in medium levels of sunlight. Similarly, never to be used at night.
Category 3 Sunglasses:
General purpose sunglasses(8%-18%), for bright levels of sunlight or glare. Also cannot be used at night.
Category 4 Sunglasses:
Are very dark sunglasses, for extremely bright levels of sunlight. These cannot be used for driving at any time. These only let in 3% to 8% of light, therefore will make driving incredibly difficult due to reduced visibility, making it far more dangerous.
Regardless of the category, there are situations where you remove your sunglasses. These include, when visibility is poor due to adverse weather conditions, at night, or when driving through tunnels.
General Advice for buyers of Sunglasses
It’s important to know exactly what you’re buying, they need to comply with EU standards if you’re planning on using them when driving. Stores should also be able to tell you the level of tint in the glasses, and advise you on which ones to purchase.
If you’re buying online, this information should be available under the product description. If not, it’s best to be certain by first emailing the selling to double check.
If you’re still experiencing issues with visibility even after using sunglasses. There may be an issue with your vision. So it’s important to book an opticians appointment if this occurs. Prescription sunglasses are also available to those who usually require regular glasses for driving.
