Millions of drivers unknowingly expose themselves to harmful UV rays every time they get behind the wheel. New research reveals that half of motorists take no protection against UV radiation, despite an estimated 14 million people experiencing sunburn while traveling by car.
A third of those surveyed by Autotrader and the British Skin Foundation didn’t even realize it was possible to get sunburned inside a vehicle. While modern car windscreens block most UVB radiation, many side windows still allow significant levels of UVA rays to penetrate the cabin.
Dr. Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, explained: “A common myth is that being inside a vehicle offers full protection from the sun. In truth, both brief intense UV exposure and repeated, cumulative exposure increase the risk of skin cancer.”
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She added, “Standard windscreens block most UVB rays, which cause sunburn, but the UVA rays that pass through side windows penetrate deeper into the skin. This can lead to premature aging, pigmentation changes, and raise the risk of skin cancer over time.”
As temperatures rise and demand for open-top cars grows, sun safety behind the wheel becomes even more critical. During the May heatwave, Autotrader recorded an 8% week-on-week increase in searches for convertibles, with models like the Porsche 911, Mazda MX-5, and Mercedes-Benz SL among the most popular.
Dr. Laftah warns convertible drivers to be especially cautious: “Drivers often underestimate how long they are exposed to sunlight during everyday trips, especially on longer journeys or in slow-moving traffic. In convertibles, direct sunlight hits the face, scalp, neck, arms, and hands for extended periods, significantly increasing sun damage risk.”
This warning follows research from the British Skin Foundation showing that by early summer, a third of people had already been sunburned, while the same proportion admitted they were too indifferent to bother wearing sunscreen in sunny weather.
Rory Reid, YouTube director at Autotrader, emphasized: “Driving with the roof down on a sunny day is great, but many don’t realize how much UV exposure they get even inside a car. Whether commuting, on holiday, or just enjoying the sun, applying sunscreen should be as routine as checking tyre pressure or topping up screen wash.”
How to stay safe behind the wheel: Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before driving, especially on sunny days. Consider UV-protective window films for side windows, wear protective clothing, and use hats or sunglasses to shield exposed skin. Being mindful of sun exposure during all journeys can help reduce the long-term risk of skin damage.