As Australians, we’re no strangers to the perils of the road. From kangaroos darting out in front of our cars to the unpredictable weather patterns that can turn a drive into a challenge, we’ve seen it all. But there’s a hidden danger that many of us overlook while we’re focused on the road ahead: the sun’s harmful UV rays.
It’s easy to feel a false sense of security behind the wheel, especially when we’re shaded from the direct glare of the sun. However, as Aussie driver Lucy Blair discovered, our cars may not offer the protection we think they do. Speaking to Yahoo News, Lucy admitted that sun safety while driving wasn’t something she had considered until recently. ‘I think the car is something that slips their minds because some parts of it can feel a bit shady, and people think that you are protected,’ she said. ‘But in reality, the UV is coming through those windows, especially the side windows, so your arms are exposed to that. It is important to have a routine for protecting yourself when you’re in the car.’
Lucy, hailing from Rockhampton in Central Queensland, has since taken proactive steps to shield herself from UV radiation while driving. She invested in a $99 sun smock designed to protect her upper body from the sun’s rays. Initially sceptical, Lucy was quickly convinced of its benefits. ‘I’ve tried to embed sun-safe practices into my life as a whole, not just while I’m in the car but while I’m walking to the office, while I’m on my lunch break, when I’m out running with friends. I’m always thinking about the UV,’ she explained.
Anne Gately, a stage IV melanoma survivor and author, reinforced the importance of sun safety. She highlighted the often-underestimated intensity of the Australian sun and the need for constant vigilance. ‘In Australia, we don’t realise just how harmful the sun is here, and we really need to be much more mindful of it at all times, not just when you’re off for a day out at the beach or at the park,’ Anne said. ‘There’s a lot of that incidental exposure that you get, and your skin remembers it.’
While tinted windows can significantly reduce UV radiation, they don’t eliminate the risk entirely. The Cancer Council points out that UV radiation levels inside a car can vary based on factors like whether the side windows are open or closed, and the vehicle’s orientation relative to the sun. Laminated windscreens, which are made from a tough plastic layer sandwiched between two panes of glass, offer better protection, blocking about 98% of UVA radiation.
For those long drives under the Australian sun, the Cancer Council Australia advises drivers and passengers to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 50. This not only helps protect you while you’re in the car but also when you step out into the full force of the sun’s rays.
Have you adopted any sun-safe habits for your road trips? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below – your advice could very well help a fellow member stay protected on their next journey!
Also read: How sitting on grass affects your skin and ways to protect it
