You should keep sunglasses in your car in winter as expert shares hidden danger

With the clocks having gone back on Sunday, Irish drivers now face shorter days and darker evenings—a shift that often brings a rise in car insurance claims.

With this in mind, an expert has revealed some tips that can keep you, your car and other road users safe this winter - including keeping a pair of sunglasses to hand in the car.

Ian O’Reilly, Head of Personal Line Sales at Chill, has provided the following advice:

Remember Your Headlights: Be mindful of reduced daylight as the days get shorter by using your headlights earlier in the evenings. You may not have used them much throughout the summer, so be sure to check that they are functioning properly before setting off on your journey. If they aren’t working, check that the bulbs haven’t burnt out and inspect for any blown fuses that may need replacing.

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Watch Out for Fatigue: Fatigue contributes to 10-20% of road traffic collisions. Driving in the dark can make it harder to fight off tiredness, so be sure to recognise the signs of fatigue. If you start having difficulty concentrating, feel your eyelids getting heavy, or find yourself yawning frequently, it’s time to stop. Find a safe place to park, sip a caffeinated drink, and take a 15-minute nap. By the time you wake, the caffeine should take effect. Remember, the only safe cure for fatigue is sleep.

Anticipate Emergency Stop Time: Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is even more essential as nights get darker. With reduced visibility, increasing your following distance will give you more time to react to hazards. As the weather becomes less dry, so do the roads. Storms and dropping temperatures can create slippery conditions, so be sure to add extra distance from the cars in front in case you need to brake sharply to avoid an accident.

Pack a Pair of Sunglasses: Despite the evenings getting darker, it’s wise to keep a pair of sunglasses in your car. During the morning commute, low sun can create a glare on your windscreen, obstructing your view and increasing your chances of an accident. Having sunglasses handy can be useful if you get caught out while driving.

By following these simple steps and planning your journeys in advance, you can protect both yourself and your car insurance.