Hidden danger of driving this weekend – heatwave could cause drivers serious problems

Motorists are being warned about the dangers the heatwave could cause them over the weekend. While the increased traffic can put drivers at risk it is the heatwave which could also cause them some problems. Not only can it have an effect on the car, but the driver could also experience some issues. People driving are at risk of sun damage, despite thinking they may be protected.

Almost half (48 per cent) of drivers aren’t aware that you can get sun damage while driving even when the windows are closed.

Confused.com partnered with Melonoma UK to look at how drivers are affected by the sun even with the windows closed.

The research found that the driver’s side of the car is most likely to be affected.

Almost one in five drivers are confused about how they can be affected by the sun with the windows shut. 

Worryingly, many drivers have been affected by piercing rays, with nearly one in four (24 per cent) having suffered sunburn while driving. 

Although, this isn’t surprising given one in six (17 per cent) don’t apply sun cream in the UK.

Perhaps this is because one in eight (12 per cent)  drivers don’t know the level of SPF they should be using for their skin.

However, one in admit they’ve deliberately rolled down the window for this reason. But doing this will increase the risk of sun damage on one side of the body

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, says: “When we’re in our cars we feel protected from the elements.

“But our guide shows that sun rays can still pierce through the car or van windows, so we’re not as protected as we might think.

“This clears up any confusion on how we can still get sunburn while in the car.

“Us Brits like to do everything we can to catch a tan, but on a sunny day we should be applying sun cream, even before we get behind the wheel to reduce the risk of sun damage.”

Gillian Nuttall, CEO at Melanoma UK comments, “It is great that Confused.com is bringing this to the attention of the public again. 

“Melanoma cases continue to increase in the UK and we need to address our behaviour in the sun. 

“Protection is vital.  If you are going to drive with the windows down, use high factor sunscreens, long sleeves, hats, good sunglasses and remember, every day in the UK, seven people die of melanoma.”