
Now that spring is officially here, you might find yourself spending more time in the sun. The days are longer, and after being cooped up all winter, many of us are eager to get outdoors. Driving in the sunshine with the windows rolled down is a great feeling, but make sure you grab your shades. Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement; they can actually help improve your driving.
Sunglasses can help you see better when the sun is shining. This is especially true of a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Polarized lenses block reflected light, reducing glare and improving clarity. Here are some ways that sunglasses can improve your driving.
Driving into, and out of, the shade. If you've ever driven through the rolling hills of the Boston Mountains, you've probably experienced this. The thick forests that hug the road create big shady patches on sunny days. When you enter one of these patches, your eyes have to adjust to the change in light, and it can be difficult to see. Sunglasses help with this transition, making it easier to see any obstructions that might be in the road.
The glare from other vehicles can literally be blinding. Sunlight bouncing off a freshly waxed hood or a chrome fender can leave you seeing spots. Sunglasses will help keep you from being blinded by other motorists.
Blocking the sun. The most obvious reason for wearing sunglasses is to keep direct sunlight out of your eyes. Driving around sunrise or sunset can mean that you will be staring directly at the sun. Not only can this damage your eyes, but it can make seeing the road in front of you a challenge.
UV protection. This isn't really specific to driving, but it is very important. UV rays can damage your eyes, which will have a negative effect on your eyesight. If you can't see, you can't drive; so protect your vision with a pair of shades.
The better you can see, the better you will be able to drive. Good visibility won't necessarily ensure that you're a good driver, but poor visibility will make you a bad one. Sunglasses can improve your visibility of the road, which makes it easier to drive!