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Driving has become more than just a transportation method as more Canadians are driving as part of their passion for RV camping. As of 2023, CBC reveals that around 15% of Canadian families own an RV. Many cite their love for adventure and the outdoors as the reason behind this rising statistic, and on average, RV drivers cover approximately 200 miles a day.
With this in mind, having good vision is integral for road safety and many Canadians may not be road safe. A survey by Clearly.ca on Canadians and the state of their vision found that 1 out of 3 Canadians is overdue for an eye check-up. This is despite eye experts' recommendation that adults should get a comprehensive eye exam once every two years. With over 10% of Canadians struggling with vision issues daily, this increases the chances of road accidents that could otherwise be prevented with proper care and preparation. As such, it’s essential to explore the ways in which protective eyewear, specifically sunglasses, can improve your driving performance. Keep reading to know more.
The dangers of driving
Every year, statistics from Transport Canada show that there are over 100,000 injuries incurred from motor vehicle accidents. Out of all the causes, one of the most common is distracted drivers. While there are many causes of distraction, what many don’t know is that environmental elements can be the culprit behind these distractions, too. After all, nearly 90% of all decisions are made based on sight, so factors like fog or glare can impair a driver's judgment. Many would be surprised that even light rain or snow can increase the chances of serious car crashes by up to 34%.
Additionally, most RV drivers typically travel for several hours a day for multiple days. This means that they may be subjected to plenty of environmental visual distractions on the road, which makes driving tricky. It’s even more challenging in the colder parts of Canada, as snow can reflect the sun’s rays by up to 80%. These seemingly blinding rays can lead to a lot of squinting and sore eyes, which, as highlighted in our article on "How To Beat Road Fatigue", is associated with road weariness.
Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure often leads to eye damage down the line. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause eye deterioration, leading to the development of conditions such as cataracts and photokeratitis. In more severe cases, these can result in vision loss, which ultimately hinders driving.
How sunglasses can help while driving
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One of the most beneficial parts of wearing sunglasses while driving is the UV protection that they provide. This is especially important for Canadians, as the UV index can still be very high even when it’s cloudy during the months between April and September.
Now when it comes to sunglasses, many assume that the darkness of the tints is related to how much UV rays it filters. This misconception causes many drivers to forego protective eyewear, as they think the dark tints will obstruct their vision when driving. However, this is actually untrue. Regardless of how your sunglasses’ lenses look, a properly manufactured pair will have a UV coating that can block 100% of the rays you encounter on the road. This means your eyes will still be protected even if you choose sunglasses with a lighter tint for driving.
Additionally, certain lens tints can help with visual clarity. Brown-tinted lenses are especially recommended for drivers, as they can improve the appearance of details and make things easier to see while on the move. This will help you see your surroundings better, enhancing your safety while traveling. These types of tints are especially helpful for drivers who struggle with visibility issues in poor weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, or snow.
Drivers can also opt to add polarization to their sunglasses. This reduces the appearance of intense sun glare, eliminating a lot of distraction and squinting in order to see during daytime driving. This would be especially beneficial on routes like the Summit Drive in Quebec or the Viking Trail in Newfoundland since motoring up mountains and seeing stunning beach views entails plenty of reflective surfaces like the sea and the snowy mountains. You can familiarize yourself with these trails and their qualities by preparing a print map beforehand, as emphasized in our Travel Tips for Lone RVers. This will allow drivers to prepare for comfort, even on long drives across the country.
As shown, there are multiple benefits to wearing sunglasses while driving. Ensure your safety by getting sunglasses and protecting your eyes on the road.