I belong to those lucky people who can enjoy a really pleasant drive to work in the morning. OK, I would prefer to walk to work, but at 35 kilometres, it really is a little too far. So, my drive takes me along the coastal highway to Motueka, past picturesque Ruby Bay and the Motueka Inlet. Since the sun always shines in this part of New Zealand, it is probably one of the nicest drives one can imagine. Especially the stretch just past Ruby Bay along the waterfront. However, this morning the situation was extreme. The sun was still sitting very low with it’s rays being reflected not only on the water, but also on the still slightly wet road. I was so glad I was wearing my old prescription Polaroid sunglasses and was hoping that all the other drivers around me were as well. Usually I listen to the National Program’s “Morning Report” during my drive. Today I did the same. Sean Plunket usually delivers the latest in traffic warnings around 9.30am and so he did today.

The warning we received today was for people in the Wellington region who were driving North. They were advised to “expect sun strike and to drive extremely careful. Make sure your windscreen is clean before you head of this morning.” Wow, this was the first time I heard this warning, but how right he is! The sun at this time of the year is very low and depending on your driving direction it can be right in your face. A dirty windscreen emphasizes this and in connection with a slightly wet road, one could be temporarily blinded instantly when driving around a corner into the sun.

Good vision is important for safety on the road at any one time. It struck me how important, in particular in winter time, a clean windscreen and a good pair of Polaroid prescription sunglasses are. I am saying Polaroid sunglasses, as “normal” tinted or transitions lenses would not help much in the conditions described. Probably the very best solution for anyone driving on days like these are “Polaroid” and “Drivewear” lenses. Traditional eyewear and sunwear cannot cope with these extreme conditions. Even advanced photochromic lenses like the Transitions VI cannot cope, because they will not go dark behind the windscreen of a car. This is because the windscreen blocks most of the UV light needed to activate their photochromic response.

Polarised lenses on the other hand will block dangerous glare and will do the job well to protect you from “sun strike”. They are the very least any driver should wear on the road where extreme conditions can occur. An even better solution are “Drivewear” lenses. They combine the positive effects of polarised and photochromic lenses. They are capable of “sensing and reacting” to varying light conditions both outside and behind the windscreen. From bright sunlight accompanied by intense, blinding glare, to overcast inclement conditions “Drivewear’ lenses provide the wearer with appropriate visual protection. They combine the unbeatable effects of polarised lenses with the light-absorbing properties of a photochromic lens being stimulated by both, UV *and* visible light.

This afternoon, when I drive home, I will most probably come across the same scenario as this morning, this time only by the setting sun. Let’s hope that our professional drivers are wearing sensible driving eyewear and are indeed delivering our children home from school safely!