Many security drivers drive in the morning sunrise and the evening sunset. Blinding glare from low sun or bright light reflecting off snow, puddles, other vehicles, or even your own hood, can be potentially lethal. Glare is frequently cited as the cause of traffic accidents, but the right pair of sunglasses can prevent it. There is some confusion, though, about what sunglasses you should wear when driving. We asked the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians for guidance.
Clarity of vision
There are two essential requirements for lenses to be used for driving – vision must remain clear and there must be sufficient light to let you see properly.
- Sunglasses for general use can be too dark or unsuitable for driving.
- Sunglasses lenses for driving fall into two main categories – fixed and variable tint.
Fixed-tint lenses
These remain the same darkness regardless of light conditions. Fixed-tint sunglasses are readily available and a fixed tint can be added to prescription or corrective glasses, too.
Polarized lenses normally have a fixed tint, but their inherent properties can significantly help reduce glare. Their effect can be evident on wet roads.
Variable-tint lenses
Generally known as photochromic lenses, these have the advantage of changing their color density when exposed to UV light. When the UV source fades, the lenses revert to their previously clear state.
While ideal for general wear, photochromic lenses are not suitable for driving because car windshields filter out UV light, which both slows and limits the reaction of the lenses. You could find yourself driving with lenses too dark or too light as a result.
Several manufacturers produce lenses, which can also be made to your prescription, that adapt to varying light conditions when driving. Check with your optician and mention that you need them for driving.
Those members who are responsible for security drivers, I recommend the company ensures that the drivers have adequate protection against solar glare. You cannot avoid something you can’t see.
For additional information:
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/how-to-pick-good-sunglasses
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