Summer has started earlier for Britons this year, with the bank holiday weekend seeing the highest temperatures of the year so far.
While many will be travelling in the coming weeks and months, experts are warning drivers of dangerous situations when on the road.
For most, sunglasses will be a vital piece of equipment when driving, but it can lead to fines, points on their licence or even a prison sentence.
When at the wheel, motorists wearing sunglasses when it isn’t sunny can make them feel drowsy and increase their risk of falling asleep.
Research from the National Library of Medicine found that light is needed to maintain a natural rhythm and when eyes do not have enough light – such as when wearing sunglasses – it can make them more drowsy.
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Dan Jones, operations manager at DrivingExperience.com, warned that it was a serious road safety concern.
It is estimated that drowsiness accounts for around 20 percent of all road collisions, with drivers often overlooking the impact of sunglasses.
He said: “We should stress that we are not saying that people should stop wearing sunglasses; indeed, the intense brightness of the sun on the roads is a potential hazard itself to visibility that drivers need to approach with caution.
“Instead, we are advising British motorists to take extra care and take a moment to pause and think if it is truly necessary before reaching for their shades, so they are not putting themselves, or other road users and pedestrians, at risk.”
The Highway Code also addresses concerns surrounding wearing sunglasses and what the proper conditions should be to ensure safety.
Rule 94 states that wearing sunglasses when driving in a tunnel or as the sun is setting puts them at an increased risk of having a collision.
If this were to occur, and the driver was deemed to not have proper control of their vehicle, the motorist could be punished.
Failing to have a full view of the road ahead can see people receive a £1,000 fine, three points on their licence or even be disqualified.
In extreme circumstances, if a driver were to cause a collision which resulted in the death of another person, they can be charged with reckless driving, which could lead to a 14-year prison sentence.
Mr Jones added: “It is worth remembering that our eyes are meant to absorb natural light. It is what tells our brains that it is daytime.
“So, if the sun disappears, put the shades away and adapt your driving appropriately.”
The Met Office is forecasting further warm weather for the next week, with temperatures around the UK hitting 22 degrees Celsius in some areas.
