a third of drivers is not secured with sunglasses while driving

– 33% of drivers is not secured usually with sunglasses while driving, and a 12% never do

Madrid, August 2012.- drivers are one of the groups most exposed to solar radiationwith effects both for health visual for road safety. With the arrival of summer, the RACE and the Alain Afflelou Foundation offer a range of advice and recommendations drivers with the aim of preventing the risks of ultraviolet radiation and the glare in the driving.

Comes the summer period, and with it two important elements: movements and the greatest number of daylight hours. In both cases, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid the risks arising from the effects of solar radiation. According to the report carried out by the Fundación Alain Afflelou 33% of drivers and the RACE is not protected usually sunlight while driving and 12% never do so, despite Spain being one of the countries with the highest rates of ultraviolet radiation in Europe.

A relevant point of the report was that 25% drivers claimed to have sustained a serious situation of risk for glare (which would mean, with the current census, more than five millions of drivers). The most common risk for glare situations are those produced by the effect of the Sun, increasing the risk of infringement of pedestrians or cyclists, collision by range, output of the route and loss of visibility at the exit of a tunnel.

Prolonged exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation has harmful effects on human health, especially effects on the skin and eyes.

According to data from the who (World Health Organization), approximately between 12 and 15 million people in the world are blind because of cataracts. Therefore, a proper eye photoprotection prevents eye diseases and reduces eye fatigue of the driver.

The importance of prevention

With the aim of preventing and create healthy habits among users, below are some tips to correct eye protection:

1) to conduct protected by sunglasses below category 4 sunscreen, and preferably use sunglasses with Crystal Gray, since better respect the natural colors. (

2) Polarized goggles prevent the most annoying reflections of the Sun and prevent eye fatigue.

(3) If you use contact lenses, although there are sunscreen, the added use of sunglasses is recommended. (

4) If you wear prescription glasses, it is necessary to also wear sunglasses graduated, adapted to the needs of each.

(5) If despite bring sunglasses, a glare while driving, do not respond to slowing sharply. Slowly reduce the speed until it fits the conditions of visibility. (

6) Do not wait for the renewal of its licence, to review once a year.

(7) To purchase the glasses in a health establishment of optics, the compliance of quality, safety and warranty.

(8) Sunglasses must have labelling which gives details on approval (CE marking), the rules of quality (in 1836: 2006), degree of protection from UV radiation (100% UV), and the product information: name, address of the manufacturer, instructions for use, cleaning, and maintenance, etc.

(9) The polarized lenses are specially recommended for driving, since the contrast increases and the images are sharper.