As a professional driver who is constantly exposed to the sun's rays, you need to make sure you wear the proper sunglasses to protect your eyes. In addition, the right sunglasses help you operate more safely by improving visibility.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory—they provide important protection for your eyes against the sun's harmful rays. It is important to understand which
types of light can damage your eyes and which are less harmful. Here are some tips for choosing the right pair of non-prescription sunglasses.
Choose sunglasses that block 99–100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This is the most important feature to look for when purchasing sunglasses. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is linked to several eye diseases, including cataracts. Some manufacturers label their sunglasses as providing UV absorption up to 400 nm (UV400), which is equivalent to 100% UV protection. Some sunglasses also claim to block infrared rays, but research has not shown a strong connection between infrared rays and eye disease.
Don't rely on the price.
If you're shopping on a budget, you'll be happy to know that many affordable sunglasses provide 99–100% UV protection. You do not need to spend a lot of money to properly protect your eyes.
Check the quality of the lenses.
In addition to UV protection, you should also check the optical quality of the lenses. Look at an object with a rectangular pattern, such as a floor tile. Hold the sunglasses at a comfortable distance while covering one eye. Slowly move the glasses from side to side and then up and down. If the lines remain straight, the lenses are of good quality. If the lines appear to wiggle, especially in the center of the lens, try a different pair.
Look for impact-resistant lenses.
All sunglasses sold in the United States must meet impact-resistance standards established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While no lens is completely unbreakable, plastic lenses are less likely to shatter than glass when struck by a rock or other object. Polycarbonate lenses, commonly used in sports sunglasses, are especially durable but can scratch more easily. If you choose polycarbonate lenses, look for a scratch-resistant coating.
Wear protective eyewear for hazardous activities.
If you participate in activities such as water skiing or snow skiing that increase your risk of eye injury, do not rely on regular sunglasses for protection. Instead, wear protective eyewear that also provides UV protection to shield your eyes from sunburn and glare.
Lens tint and polarization are personal preferences.
There is no medical reason to recommend one lens tint over another. Likewise, while polarized lenses reduce glare more effectively, they do not block more harmful UV light than non-polarized lenses.
Once you have the right sunglasses, be sure to wear them consistently—especially during the summer, when UV levels are at least three times higher than in the winter. Don't forget to wear them during winter sports as well, particularly at higher elevations, where UV exposure can also be significant.
Question of the Week
I received a warning letter from the FMCSA regarding my CSA SMS scores. What should I do?
A warning letter is an opportunity to improve your safety performance and compliance before the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) takes further action. Read the letter carefully because it identifies your company's specific safety performance and compliance concerns based on Safety Measurement System (SMS) data. It also explains how to access your safety record and outlines the potential consequences if your company's safety performance and compliance do not improve.
What happens next?
You do not need to respond directly to the warning letter. FMCSA will continue to monitor your safety performance and compliance through its Safety Measurement System (SMS) at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms/.
As a motor carrier, it is important to review your SMS data regularly. If your safety performance and compliance do not improve, FMCSA may initiate additional interventions that could result in fines, suspension, or even revocation of your company's operating authority. These interventions may include offsite or onsite investigations.
CVSA Brake Safety Week Scheduled for August 23–29
This year's CVSA Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 23–29, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
The enforcement campaign is part of Brake Safety Awareness Month, which takes place throughout August.
During CVSA's annual enforcement event, roadside inspectors will:
- Focus on brake systems and components while conducting North American Standard Inspections.
- Place special emphasis this year on inspecting brake drums and rotors.
CVSA will publish a report on its findings later this year.
The event also provides an opportunity for motor carriers to educate drivers and maintenance personnel about the importance of brake safety and the role proper brake maintenance plays in preventing crashes.
