This $100 driver trick could save you from obscure but costly road hazards—learn how!
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As we navigate the bustling roads and highways, we're often on high alert for the usual suspects: erratic drivers, sudden stops, and the occasional jaywalking pedestrian.
But there's a silent hazard that many Aussie drivers overlook—one that can have long-term consequences on our health.
It's the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and it's penetrating through our car windows, unbeknownst to many.
Lucy Blair, a driver from Rockhampton in Central Queensland, shared 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 explained.
'But in reality, the UV is coming through those windows, especially the side windows, so your arms are exposed to that. '
Taking action, Lucy has adopted a $100 tactic to shield herself from these harmful rays—a sun smock.
Priced at $99, this protective garment covers the upper body, providing a barrier against UV radiation.
Initially sceptical, Lucy has become a convert after experiencing the benefits firsthand.
'I've tried to embed sun-safe practices into my life as a whole, not just while I'm in the car but while 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 said.
Anne Gately, a stage IV melanoma survivor and author, reinforced the importance of sun safety.
She reminded us of the potency 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 need to be much more mindful of it at all times, not just when you're off for a day at the beach or the park,' she said.
'There's a lot of that incidental exposure you get, and your skin remembers it.'
While tinted windows can significantly reduce UV radiation, they don't eliminate the risk.
It's crucial to remember that even if the windscreen is tinted, the side windows may not be, leaving you vulnerable to exposure.
Laminated windscreens, made from a rigid plastic layer sandwiched between two glass panes, offer better protection, blocking about 98 per cent of UVA radiation.
Cancer Council Australia advised drivers and passengers to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 50 when spending extended periods in the car.
This safeguards you inside the vehicle and when you enter the sun.
In other news, a recent study found that only half of Australians use three or more forms of sun protection during peak UV hours.
Women, those with higher education, and residents of less disadvantaged areas are likelier to practice sun safety. You can read more about it here.
Credit: TikTok
Have you taken steps to protect yourself from UV radiation while driving? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
But there's a silent hazard that many Aussie drivers overlook—one that can have long-term consequences on our health.
It's the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and it's penetrating through our car windows, unbeknownst to many.
Lucy Blair, a driver from Rockhampton in Central Queensland, shared 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 explained.
Australians warned about sun exposure risks from UV rays penetrating car windows. Credit: @luceletloose
'But in reality, the UV is coming through those windows, especially the side windows, so your arms are exposed to that. '
Taking action, Lucy has adopted a $100 tactic to shield herself from these harmful rays—a sun smock.
Priced at $99, this protective garment covers the upper body, providing a barrier against UV radiation.
Initially sceptical, Lucy has become a convert after experiencing the benefits firsthand.
'I've tried to embed sun-safe practices into my life as a whole, not just while I'm in the car but while 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 said.
Anne Gately, a stage IV melanoma survivor and author, reinforced the importance of sun safety.
She reminded us of the potency 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 need to be much more mindful of it at all times, not just when you're off for a day at the beach or the park,' she said.
'There's a lot of that incidental exposure you get, and your skin remembers it.'
While tinted windows can significantly reduce UV radiation, they don't eliminate the risk.
It's crucial to remember that even if the windscreen is tinted, the side windows may not be, leaving you vulnerable to exposure.
Laminated windscreens, made from a rigid plastic layer sandwiched between two glass panes, offer better protection, blocking about 98 per cent of UVA radiation.
Cancer Council Australia advised drivers and passengers to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 50 when spending extended periods in the car.
This safeguards you inside the vehicle and when you enter the sun.
In other news, a recent study found that only half of Australians use three or more forms of sun protection during peak UV hours.
Women, those with higher education, and residents of less disadvantaged areas are likelier to practice sun safety. You can read more about it here.
Credit: TikTok
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