Eclipse warning: things you must never do behind the wheel

Planning to watch Wednesday’s solar eclipse? If you’re driving, make sure the spectacle doesn’t distract you from the road.

The partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August will be visible across the UK, with the best views expected in parts of south-western Britain. The eclipse is expected to peak at around 7:13pm BST, meaning it could catch the tail-end of the evening rush hour.

It’s a good reminder to put safety first and resist the temptation to look up while behind the wheel.

Here are some things to consider if you’re driving during the solar eclipse:

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Don’t watch the eclipse from behind the wheel

Looking directly at the sun can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Trying to catch a glimpse while driving also takes your attention away from the road.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “This week’s eclipse will be a memorable event for millions of people, but road safety must come first.

“Drivers should not attempt to look at the eclipse while at the wheel. It takes only a second of distraction for a routine journey to become a tragedy.”

Evening sunlight could make driving harder

Even if you have no interest in watching the eclipse, low evening sunlight could make your journey more difficult.

Glare can make it harder to see the road ahead, while changes in brightness and reduced contrast can make pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles more difficult to spot.

The Highway Code advises drivers who are dazzled by bright sunlight to slow down and, if necessary, stop.

To improve visibility, we advise to:

• Clean your windscreen inside and out before setting off
• Allow extra time for your journey
• Slow down if glare affects your vision
• Leave plenty of space between vehicles
• Take extra care around pedestrians and cyclists

Can you wear sunglasses while driving?

Yes. There’s no general rule banning you from wearing ordinary sunglasses while driving, and they can help reduce glare.

However, ordinary sunglasses are not eclipse glasses. They are not designed to make it safe to look directly at the sun, so wearing them while watching the eclipse can still cause serious eye damage.

If you want to view the eclipse, use properly certified solar-viewing glasses or an approved solar viewer designed specifically for looking at the sun.

The distinction is simple:

• Driving sunglasses: designed to reduce glare while driving
• Eclipse glasses: designed specifically for safe solar viewing

Never use one as a substitute for the other.

Your sunglasses must not interfere with your ability to see the road, signs or other road users. You must also meet the legal eyesight standards for driving, including being able to read a number plate from 20m in good daylight.

Don’t pull over somewhere dangerous

The eclipse could draw crowds to popular viewing spots, while some drivers may be tempted to stop wherever they can get a clear view.

Don’t put yourself or other road users at risk for a better look.

We’d advise you not to stop on:

• Motorway or dual-carriageway hard shoulders, except in an emergency
• Verges
• Narrow rural roads
• Dangerous or restricted areas
• Anywhere the vehicle could obstruct other road users

Instead, plan ahead and choose a safe, legal place to park if you want to watch. Also never brake suddenly or stop in the road because you’ve spotted the eclipse.

Remember that other road users could be distracted

You may not be the only person looking skywards.

Pedestrians and cyclists near popular viewing areas could be distracted by the eclipse or less aware of traffic around them.

Luckhurst said: “Pedestrians and cyclists may be less aware of traffic around them, particularly near open spaces or recognised viewing locations. Give everyone extra time and space.”

So stay alert, reduce your speed where appropriate and give vulnerable road users plenty of room.

Leave your phone alone

The temptation to take a photo of the eclipse could be strong, but reaching for your phone or camera while driving is another dangerous distraction.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal in the UK except in very limited circumstances such as calling emergency services when it’s impractical to pull over or stop the car.

If you want a photo, park somewhere safe and legal first.

Once you’re safely off the road, you can enjoy the spectacle using properly certified solar-viewing equipment. It may only last a few minutes, but there’s no need to let a moment of distraction turn a routine journey into a dangerous one.

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