Sunburn in a car affects 14 million drivers
New research carried out by Auto Trader and the British Skin Foundation found that 14 million people in the UK have suffered sunburn in a car.
Meanwhile, 31% of those surveyed said they didn’t realise they could get sunburn while in a car and 47% admitted they didn’t take precautions against the risk of UV exposure while driving.
The warning comes in the midst of one of the hottest summers on record, with Auto Trader reporting that searches for convertibles increased by eight per cent week on week during the May 2026.
Further, the British Skin Foundation found that a third of people in the UK had burnt by early summer last year, yet 31% admitted that they ‘couldn’t be bothered to wear sunscreen’ in sunny weather.
Misconception
Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist at The British Skin Foundation, said: “A common misconception is the belief that being inside a vehicle provides complete protection from the sun. In reality, both short periods of intense ultraviolet exposure and repeated exposure over time contribute to an increased risk of skin cancer.
“While standard car windscreens block most UVB radiation, the amount of UVA radiation that enters a vehicle varies depending on factors such as the type, thickness and tint of the glass.
“As a result, a significant proportion of UVA radiation can still penetrate vehicle glass, contributing to cumulative skin damage, premature skin ageing, pigmentation changes and an increased risk of skin cancer over time.
“For drivers of convertibles, roofless sports cars and other open-top vehicles, the risk is even greater because the face, scalp, neck, arms and hands are exposed to direct sunlight, often for prolonged periods.”
