Here comes the sun

After what seems like a very long time, it appears that summer has finally arrived in good old Blighty! However, it has come with some very odd rules about what you can and can’t wear whilst driving.

Sunglasses

There are a lot on the market, but some are better quality than others. This will of course be reflected in the price you pay for your sunnies. The cheaper ones are poor quality and won’t do your eyesight much good either. Opting for a more expensive, but better quality pair will not only be better for your eyes but also allow you to see the road more clearly. This is especially true after it has rained and the sunlight reflects on the road.

Sun glare can affect your driving and has been the cause of many accidents and whilst nobody can force you to wear sunglasses if it is a bright, sunny day (in other words, it isn’t a legal requirement), you can be fined and end up with three points on your licence for wearing the wrong type or failing to wear them at all!

So, which sunglasses should you be wearing? According to The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians, your vision must be clear, with enough light getting to your eyes and no obstruction caused by anything on the glasses (Elton John might have a problem here). It might also be a good idea to have variable tinted glasses, which adjust to the light.

The Wrong Trousers

Yep. You could get into bother wearing the wrong type of trousers, especially if they are very baggy and wide (flares) as these could hinder your access to the foot pedals. Long skirts could also cause similar issues.

Shoes As Well

Might as well mention them – if you drive with flip-flops on, you’re breaking the law as it states shoes with a sole of less than 10mm thick are unsafe. Open backed slippers are another no-no as they may just “slip” off the pedals. Shoes have to provide sufficient grip on the pedals. No driving in your jimjams and slippers then!

So hopefully you now have your wardrobe sorted out and it’s just your insurance you need to check up on. Apologies for the ear worm and loose reference to a certain animated character. For cheap car insurance, we compare hundreds of providers. Get started now by filling out this 3-minute form.