Polarized lenses can protect drivers from sun damage

While many think the biggest danger to motorists are other drivers, a new study released by the St. Louis University Medical School shows that sun damage sustained while driving can pose a serious health hazard. The San Saba News & Star reports that the study revealed that nearly 53 percent of skin cancers in the United States are on the left (or drivers side) part of one's body.

"People may be surprised to learn that car windows don’t provide complete sun protection," Perry Robins, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, told the news source. "Ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaches us in the form of shortwave UVB and long-wave UVA rays, but glass blocks only UVB effectively."

The news provider reports that there are several steps one can take to prevent a number of sun-related maladies when spending a significant length of time in the car. Keeping sunscreen in the car can be a great idea, experts say. Wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays while driving in sunny conditions can be helpful as well.

AllAboutVision.com reports that polarized lenses are ideal for drivers, as they can reduce the blinding glare sometimes created on the asphalt.