With temperatures remaining low in the UK, drivers have been advised to pack one item
Drivers have been urged to bring an unlikely item with them each time they in order to and avoid a .
As the temperature remains low across large parts of the country, many motorists are looking for ways they can stay prepared when travelling in and ice.
Mike Thompson, COO at , recommended that all motorists put a in their car to tackle the low winter sun and avoid serious consequences.
He said: “Drivers can be fined for not wearing sunglasses if you continue driving and can’t see because of the .
“This is considered careless driving, so you need to protect yourself from the sun or pull over, otherwise you could be fined up to £2,500.”
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Wearing sunglasses behind the wheel can help drivers avoid glare from the low winter sun
Whilst they are typically considered a staple of the summer, wearing a pair of sunglasses can help to improve visibility on short winter days that are notoriously bright due to the low sun.
Sunglasses can also help drivers reduce experiencing glare from sunlight reflecting on snow, with parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England currently affected by yellow weather warnings issued by the .
As a result, drivers who fail to wear apropriate eyewear on bright winter days run the risk of breaking the Road Traffic Act 1988 and could be charged with careless driving, which can result in a penalty of up to £2,500.
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Motorists must choose a pair of sunglasses that lets enough light through to avoid further fines
Nevertheless, when chosing sunglasses to wear behind the wheel, it is vital that drivers choose the right pair to avoid further fines.
Specifically, drivers must avoid heavily tinted sunglasses that only let between three and eight percent of light through, which could result in a blocked view of their surroundings.
Motorists travelling during the night must also refrain from wearing sunglasses that let less than 75 percent of light through or are tinted yellow.
When travelling in snowy and icy conditions, Mike also suggested that drivers keep a longer distance between themselves and the vehicle in front, with slippery road surfaces increasing braking times.
He continued: “It’s important to keep your distance between cars, so you have enough time to stop on slippery roads.
“You should decrease speed, accelerate slowly, and avoid hard braking. Ice and snow can cause your car to slip, so avoiding any sudden movements will keep you safe.”