Top tips for choosing the best sunglasses for driving

Some driving accessories are simply a must. If you don’t have air conditioning, for example, it may be tough to get even the family dog to take a car ride. But, besides the obvious motor vehicle accessories, there’s one essential that can’t be forgotten – quality sunglasses.

Not only a fashion extra, but they also make driving safer and more pleasant by cutting down on glare and eye-damaging UV rays. They also protect your eyes from dust and grit which can be a real driving distraction, especially on rural trails.

Once the domain of guys who wanted to check out the beach action, without looking like they were, polarised sunglasses are now the go-to for smart drivers.

“Polarised glasses are the best for driving because they cut glare to almost nothing and reduce reflections off the bonnet,” says optometrist Stephen Brady, of Byron Bay Eyecare. “You can see through the windscreen a bit better too.”

They also offer high UV protection across the whole of the lens, even the back. 

Regular tinted lenses for sunglasses also protect from UV rays, but they won’t combat the glare that is created by light reflecting off surfaces. And while photochromic or transition lenses may seem like a good choice, because your windshield already blocks a certain amount of UV, they may appear lighter than required. 

If you are a lucky Mercedes-Benz or Porsche owner and have a heads up display where you can see your speed in the windscreen, you probably won’t see it with polarised sunglasses, says Brady. 

For those driving old cars, polarised sunglasses will make seeing LCD screens, displaying your radio station frequency, for example, a bit difficult. 

Beyond those small disadvantages, sunglasses care is also crucial. Polarised or tinted lenses don’t mix well with a bag full of sand and leaving polarised glasses on the dashboard will cause the coating to craze when the temperature rises. 

Thick frames can block your peripheral vision, while tints like pink, green or blue can make it difficult to distinguish some colours. Other than that, it’s really about personal preference, says Brady, with good options available at a variety of price points.

No matter the brand, getting sunglasses adjusted to you will pay benefits as too loose, or too tight glasses may distract you when driving.  

Brady advises asking your optometrist for "Drivewear” lenses that provide 100 per cent UV blockage, comfortable anti-glare polarisations and excellent depth perception, all of which help you be safer on the roads. Most sunglass lenses now meet Australian standards (A/NZS 1067) for UV protection, he adds.

Zeal Optics Mango, $165

Vegans rejoice. These fashion-forward frames are made with plant-based resin. Polarised and lightweight, they also feature technology that enhances every view.

Maui Jim Perico Polarised Classic Sunglasses, $549

Combining sturdy construction and lenses that are 20 to 32 per cent thinner and lighter than standard glass, these glasses offer superior clarity as well as scratch and solvent resistance.

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Classic Polarised, $262

Featuring the Wayfarer's iconic shape, this pair carries a smaller frame but still maximum UV protection.

Zeal Optics Isabelle, $165

Available in lilac or matt tortoise, these polarised, plant-based frames won’t slip down your nose, even when you’re hot and sweaty, because they use ProFlex rubber to keep them in place.

Persol Sartoria Polarised, $398

As well as blue gradient polarised lenses this Italian brand, which makes astronaut eyewear for NASA, offers maximum comfort.

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