Drivers urged to check sunglasses else risk £5,000 fines

Drivers urged to check sunglasses else risk £5,000 fines

Motorists have been urged to check their sunglasses are legal before driving this bank holiday weekend to avoid penalty points and a £5,000 fine.

The early May bank holiday is normally the first taste of real sunshine and the opportunity to jump in the car and head off for the long weekend.

Driving experts at Quotezone.co.uk have issued a warning to all UK motorists to ensure their sunglasses are categorised as legal, to deal with the bright sun rays.

Image Credit – Shutterstock

Rule 237 of the Highway Code states drivers should slow down or pull over if dazzled by the bright sunlight – so motorists should wear sunglasses to protect them whilst on the road.

However, drivers must also be aware certain sunglasses could be categorised as inappropriate depending on the tint level.

All sunglasses in the UK must be marked and labelled with a category number, which can help drivers determine if they’re safe for use behind the wheel.

Sunglasses are ranked from zero to four, which determines their strength and the time of day that they can be safely worn.

Most average sunglasses will be labelled in ‘category two’ – which have a slight tint and will transmit 18% – 43% of light. These glasses are therefore suitable for driving during the day.

Sunglasses which are ranked at ‘category four’ come with a very dark tint and transmit just 3% – 8% of light, so are inappropriate for driving. These sunglasses should also come with a label by law stating they are unsuitable for driving and road use.

Motorists must also ensure any sunglasses with wide side arms don’t block too much of their peripheral vision, or they will be unsuitable for driving.

Small fashion and yellow tinted glasses should also be avoided as they’re often designed as an accessory, so do not provide appropriate protection from the sun rays for drivers.

Driving with inappropriate eyewear could be detrimental to pedestrians and other road users as it could leave drivers unable to detect dangers on the road.

Motorists could face charges for dangerous driving if it falls far below the standard and expected skills of a competent and careful driver.

The penalties for this offence reach up to 11 points on the licence, unlimited fines (£5,000 in Magistrate’s Court) as well as five years in prison.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Carrying a spare pair of legal sunglasses in your glove box is essential during these brighter months – especially in the UK when we don’t know when the sun will appear.

“Wearing the right pair of sunglasses will help keep yourself and other road users safe this summer – inappropriate eyewear could put you at risk of fines, penalty points or worse.

“Sunglasses are labelled in four categories to show if they’re suitable for road use. The average pair of sunnies are ‘category two’ and are therefore appropriate for driving.

“However, darker sunglasses in ‘category four’, any small fashion glasses, yellow tinted glasses or a pair with large side arms can be deemed too dangerous to drive in.

“Any driver wearing inappropriate sunglasses could be subject to a dangerous driving charge – which potentially comes with hefty fines, penalty points and even prison time.

“If you are dazzled by the sunlight and it’s becoming too bright and dangerous to drive, make sure to slow down or pull over until it is safe to continue and don’t take the risk.

“It’s your responsibility to make sure your vision isn’t compromised, if you don’t protect your eyes properly from the sun and you have an accident, you could invalidate your car insurance.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of people in the UK save millions of pounds every year on car insurance and personal finance products, for people living in Northern Ireland, CompareNI.com can help.

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Almost four in ten homes in England are without a carbon monoxide alarm, according to the latest government data, prompting heating experts at Ideal Heating to urge households to make gas safety a priority as autumn approaches. The latest English Housing Survey shows that 62% of homes had a carbon monoxide alarm, leaving a significant proportion without one. With around three-quarters of UK households relying on a gas boiler as their main source of heating, millions could benefit from reviewing their gas safety measures before temperatures fall. As households prepare to rely more heavily on their heating as temperatures fall, experts at Ideal Heating are using Gas Safety Week (14th–20th September) to remind them of the steps they can take to stay safe around gas appliances. From keeping on top of annual checks to recognising the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, Ideal Heating has shared five things every household should know. Perform annual checks and maintenance Keeping on top of regular checks and maintenance is one of the simplest measures you can take to ensure your home is gas safe. This includes: An Annual Boiler Check Servicing your boiler once a year will not only keep the warranty intact but also ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t serviced your boiler already this year, Ideal Heating recommend doing so as soon as possible while demand is lower, as boiler servicing and repairs begin to pick up over the colder months. An Annual Gas Safety Check This involves an inspection of relevant gas appliances in your home and should be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered Engineer. If you’re renting your property, your landlord should ensure that these checks are performed every 12 months. This should take only about half an hour and will ensure your appliances are safe and that there are no gas leaks. Typically, these checks are performed together, so you can ensure your home is safe in a single visit. Learn what to do in an emergency Gas is naturally odourless and colourless, so an odorant called mercaptan is added to give it its distinctive sulphur-like or “rotten egg” smell. Acting fast in a gas emergency is vital. If you think you can smell gas, open all the doors and windows in your home to increase ventilation. Then, if it is safe to do so, turn off the gas isolation valve, leave the property, and contact National Emergency Gas Service. Avoid anything that could create a flame or spark, and do not turn the gas on again until the problem has been investigated and you have been told it is safe to do so. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm It’s important to note that carbon monoxide can also leak from malfunctioning gas appliances, and a carbon monoxide detector should be in place to help detect it. If you have a boiler, stove, or a fuel-burning fireplace, it’s recommended that you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions; it is usually recommended to place the alarm roughly 15 cm away from the ceiling. Regularly test the alarm and batteries to ensure your system is working smoothly. Understand the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning Would you be able to spot the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? There are 6 key indicators, including: Headaches Dizziness Nausea Breathlessness Collapsing Loss of consciousness If you begin to feel unwell, seek medical assistance immediately, and let them know you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide. Look out for warning signs on your appliances Monitoring your heating system can ensure faults or concerns are addressed immediately. As your heating is used more regularly, pay attention to anything unusual or different in how your appliances operate Look out for any leaks, cracks, or unusual noises from your appliances, and if anything seems out of the ordinary, get it checked by a Gas Safe Engineer.