4 days Ago By Jack Mortimer
Drivers have been urged to pack an unlikely item in their car to help them stay safe behind the wheel throughout the cold winter months . As various parts of the country experience the first spell of snow this winter , many drivers could soon be driving in environments that are both colder and also much brighter than they are used to, not helped by the low sun typically experienced in winter. To help drivers avoid glare, Lotus Car Rental has advised motorists to always make sure they have a pair of sunglasses in an accessible location.
They advised: "It may sound strange to pop on your sunnies after layering up, but wearing sunglasses when driving in the winter can help to reduce the glare of low winter sun on the snow. "Sunglasses will drastically improve your visibility on the road , easing those panic moments when the sun makes it hard to see what is in front of you." Whilst most motorists consider sunglasses as a staple of the summer, they can be particularly useful when travelling in over winter, particularly on clear days after snowfall.
Moreover, the short winter days often feature the sun at a particularly low level, creating an effect known as 'sun dazzle'. This phenomenon runs the risk of blocking a driver's view of the road. As a result, it is vital for drivers thinking about travelling in the winter months to bring some sunglasses, storing them in an easily accessible location, such as the glovebox or centre console.
Nevertheless, Lotus Car Rental warned drivers to make sure their sunglasses are not too dark, which could equally restrict their view of the road and lead to consequences. They continued: "Check your sunglasses filter category (these should be labelled on them) before setting off to ensure they are not too dark. "Filter Category 4 sunglasses (used for activities like skiing and snowboarding) are too dark and not permitted for use on UK roads.
" When travelling in the snow, Lotus Car Rental also recommended that motorists travel in a higher gear than normal to prevent wheelspin and skidding causing accidents. They added: "For many, driving in icy and snowy conditions can be fear-inducing. To increase control of your vehicle in harsh weather, try driving in a higher gear.
"Pulling off in second gear on icy roads will give you more grip and allow you to set off more easily. ".
