Irish motorists could be hit with little-known fine during heatwave as warning issued

AS the heatwave continues, drivers are being urged to check their sunglasses rating when behind the wheel. Sunglasses have ratings which range from 0 to 4 – with category 4 shades labelled as being ‘not suitable for driving’.Drivers need to ensure their sunglasses meet certain standardsGetty The most heavily tinted sunglasses should not be worn while driving day or night as they only transmit between 3 per cent to 8 per cent of light, according to AA Ireland.

Lenses considered unsuitable for night driving have a light transmission of less than 75 per cent or are yellow tinted.A spokesperson for Specsavers Ireland said: “A good-quality pair of sunglasses can help to reduce eye strain and squinting by reducing the amount of light that enters your eyes, giving you a clearer, more comfortable view of the road ahead. “Sunglasses with category 3 lenses are best for daytime driving conditions — any higher is considered too dark to drive safely.



“For low light and night-time driving when sunglasses are not suitable, our UltraClear SuperClean lenses help to reduce reflections (such as from signage and street lights) experienced while driving.“There are also lens treatments you can add to sunglasses and prescription glasses to enhance your comfort and help improve your driving vision. “These range from polarising lenses to tints that help to improve contrast perception.

”The Road Safety Authority warned that sun glare can result in drivers being “temporarily dazzled or blinded by the intensity and brightness” of the sun.A spokesperson for the RSA said: “Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads. “In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, we drop our guard.

“There is a spike in pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist casualties over the summer. The fine weather brings more people out and about. “As drivers, we need to be on the lookout for them.

Slow down and expect the unexpected.”As clear, sunny conditions and high temperatures continue over the coming days please see some RSA advice below :· Reduce the risk from sun glare and of being dazzled by wearing sunglasses.· Be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day.

· Be prepared and ensure you have adequate supplies of water; any delays to journeys could result in road users being stuck in traffic for a period of time in hot conditions. Children and pets are particularly at risk during these hot spells of weather.· Ensure your windscreen is clear of grease or grime inside and out.

Make sure you have plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies, insects and excess dust from the road when driving.OTHER ROAD USERS· Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Slow down and allow extra space when passing.

Sun glare affects all road users. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to:· Beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions.· Use sun block when out walking and cycling.

Motorists who journey to Northern Ireland could even face £100 on-the-spot fines and three penalty points for careless driving.And for those who contest this charge in court and are convicted, they will be hit with a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points.Rule 237 of the Highway Code requires motorists to slow down or pull over if they are “dazzled by bright sunlight”.

LENSE ADVICETHE AA asked The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians for advice:Tinted lenses are given a grading according to the density of the tint.All sunglasses should, by law, be labelled and show the filter category number.Lenses with light transmission less than 75 per cent are unsuitable for night driving.

Yellow tinted lenses are not recommended for night driving.Due to the light levels within the car, filter category 2 lenses which transmit between 18 per cent and 43 per cent of light are recommended for daytime driving.Filter category 4 lenses only transmit between 3 per cent and 8 per cent of light and are not suitable for driving at any time.

Sunglasses with these lenses should, by law, be labelled ‘Not suitable for driving and road use’.Having the correct sunglasses is essential for road safetyGetty Stock.