If you are not sure how to select a pair of sunglasses to purchase or wear before going on your next big long distance drive or road trip, there are a few key factors to consider to make that decision.
UV Protection
UV protection is crucial when choosing sunglasses, especially for long-distance driving in New Zealand, because of the country’s unique environmental factors. New Zealand has one of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world due to its geographical location and thinner ozone layer. When driving long distances, you’re exposed to direct and indirect sunlight for extended periods, which can lead to eye damage, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, if proper protection isn’t used.
In New Zealand, roads often stretch through open landscapes, like the sunny highways of the Canterbury Plains or coastal routes along the South Island, where UV exposure is high. UV-blocking sunglasses reduce this risk by filtering out harmful rays, ensuring long-term eye health, while also improving driving comfort by reducing glare and eye strain.
Polarised Lenses
Polarised lenses help with long-distance driving in New Zealand because they effectively reduce glare, which is particularly important on the country’s diverse roads. Glare occurs when sunlight reflects off surfaces like wet roads, water, or metal objects, making it harder to see clearly. Polarised lenses filter out this glare, allowing for better vision and less eye strain during extended drives.
In New Zealand, where 89% of the population drives, and long road trips are common due to the spread-out nature of cities and towns, polarized lenses can significantly improve driving safety. For example, when driving along coastal roads like the Coromandel Peninsula or crossing wet roadways during New Zealand’s frequent rain showers, glare can become a major hazard. Polarised sunglasses help mitigate this by enhancing contrast and providing clearer vision, leading to quicker reaction times and safer driving overall.
Lens Tint
When it comes to lens tint in sunglasses, different colors provide various benefits, especially for long-distance driving in New Zealand, where lighting conditions can change frequently due to diverse landscapes and weather. New Zealand experiences an average of 2,000 to 2,400 hours of sunshine annually, with the highest UV index between 10 am and 4 pm. The right lens tint can significantly reduce glare and improve driving safety during these peak sunlight hours.
Key Facts About Lens Tint for Driving:
- Grey lenses: Popular for long-distance driving as they provide true color perception. They reduce brightness without distorting colors, making them ideal for maintaining visual clarity on New Zealand’s bright, sunlit highways.
- Brown/Amber lenses: Enhance contrast, making them perfect for changing light conditions, such as driving through hilly or forested regions like the Southern Alps or Fiordland. These lenses can help detect road hazards by improving depth perception.
- Yellow lenses: Useful in low light or foggy conditions. While not ideal for bright sunlight, they can enhance contrast in New Zealand’s frequent morning fog, especially in areas like Wellington or the South Island’s rugged terrain.
Fit and Comfort
When choosing sunglasses for long-distance driving in New Zealand, fit and comfort are essential factors to ensure eye protection, reduce fatigue, and maintain focus on the road. Here’s why they matter:
Importance of Fit and Comfort for Long-Distance Driving:
- Fit: Sunglasses that fit well prevent discomfort and slippage during driving. A secure fit is especially important for New Zealand’s winding roads, like the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka, where drivers need consistent focus and movement. Poorly fitting sunglasses can be a distraction, leading to unsafe driving.
- Comfort: For long drives, especially on scenic but lengthy routes like the Auckland to Wellington journey (over 650 km), wearing uncomfortable sunglasses can cause headaches, pressure on the nose bridge, and ear discomfort. Over time, this can reduce a driver’s concentration and reaction time.
Factors Influencing Fit and Comfort:
- Frame Material: Lightweight materials such as nylon or polycarbonate are recommended. These materials reduce pressure on the face and ears, which is crucial during long stretches of driving.
- Adjustable Nose Pads: Sunglasses with adjustable nose pads allow a customized fit, ensuring comfort for extended wear, especially in the hot and humid conditions typical in areas like the Northland region.
- Grip on Temples: A secure grip on the temples ensures the sunglasses stay in place, even when encountering sharp turns or bumpy roads, like those found on the famous Forgotten World Highway.
Durable Frames
When choosing sunglasses for long-distance driving in New Zealand, durable frames are just as important as UV protection and comfort. Here’s why they matter:
Importance of Durable Frames for Long-Distance Driving:
- Frequent Handling: Long road trips, like driving the length of State Highway 1 from Auckland to Wellington or Christchurch, often require putting sunglasses on and off. Durable frames withstand frequent handling without breaking or warping.
- Weather Variability: New Zealand’s climate can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, rain, and strong UV exposure. Durable frames made from materials like polycarbonate, nylon, or titanium can withstand these conditions, especially in regions like the West Coast or Central Otago, where the weather can change rapidly.
- Impact Resistance: Driving through New Zealand’s rugged landscapes may mean exposure to debris, dust, and unexpected bumps, particularly on rural roads. Frames made from durable materials help protect against damage from such hazards.
Key Features of Durable Frames:
- Materials:
- Polycarbonate: Lightweight and impact-resistant, ideal for protecting sunglasses during rough conditions or on off-road drives.
- Nylon: Extremely durable and flexible, making it suitable for sporty designs that withstand wear and tear on long road trips.
- Titanium: Strong and corrosion-resistant, perfect for long-term durability, especially in coastal areas where moisture and salt may cause corrosion.
- Design:
- Wraparound styles provide extra protection from side impacts and prevent the frames from bending.
- Reinforced hinges offer additional strength, preventing the glasses from loosening over time with regular use.