Your shades could risk your life and others lives

Thu 14th February 2008

Nearly 12 million female motorists could be putting themselves and other drivers at risk by wearing unsuitable sunglasses when behind the wheel, according to new research.

The ‘Summer Driving Vision’ report from ‘female-friendly’ car insurer, Sheilas’ Wheels, revealed that fewer than one in five (18%) women drivers chooses a pair of sunglasses specifically for driving. Three-fifths (61%) say they opt for style over safety when buying summer shades – basing their choice on appearance instead of driving practicality.

The findings are backed by eye health information service, The Eyecare Trust, which Sheilas’ Wheels commissioned to carry out an audit on some of this season’s most fashionable high-street sunglasses.

Results from the audit reveal that many top fashion trends are unsuitable for driving. Wide-armed pairs, sported by the likes of Kylie Minogue and worn when driving, it is estimated, by over a million women in the UK, are said to be dangerous because they can limit peripheral vision.

Furthermore, female motorists who choose pink or blue lenses could put themselves at risk as these tints can distort vision and make driving hazardous. The Eyecare Trust has recommended to the public that drivers choose neutral lens colours that provide true colour definition such as grey or brown.

Increased dark lenses that prevent full visibility – a problem the report shows affects almost one in ten (7%) British women – are also not recommended. And category 4 filter lenses, the darkest available, are illegal to wear when driving in the UK.

Niki Bolton, spokesperson for Sheilas’ Wheels said: “Too many women drivers are unaware of the dangers of wearing some of this summer’s hottest sunglasses’ styles when driving. Wide arms and dark lens tints may be the must-haves of the moment, but fashion-conscious women should put safety ahead of style when in control of a car.

“We’d like to encourage all women to keep a sensible, practical pair of sunglasses for driving at hand in their glove box, free of scratches and smears. Wearing unsuitable sunglasses is just as dangerous as wearing none at all when driving in bright conditions.”

The ‘Summer Driving Vision’ report also revealed that three quarters (74%) of women admitted to having worn no sunglasses when driving in bright light - which can seriously impair vision, lengthen reaction times and potentially cause accidents.

A fifth of women (19%) quizzed in the Sheilas’ Wheels study said they had driven in sunglasses with dirty lenses, while a further 14% have been behind the wheel sporting scratched shades.

Sheilas’ Wheels commissioned YouGov to speak to 766 female drivers during July 2007: ‘Summer Driving Vision’ report.

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