14 Million Brits Have Been Sunburnt Behind the Wheel, as Autotrader and British Skin Foundation Warn of Hidden UV Dangers on the Road
As UK temperatures soar and Brits make the most of the sunshine, new research from Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, and the British Skin Foundation has uncovered a surprising and often overlooked summer health risk: getting sunburnt while travelling in a car.
New consumer research reveals that 14 million Brits have experienced sunburn while driving or travelling in a car, while 31% of those surveyed admit they didn’t realise it was possible to get sunburnt inside a vehicle[1]. The findings highlight a widespread lack of awareness around sun protection on the road, despite many drivers and passengers spending hours in direct sunlight during journeys.
The research also found that 47% of Brits take no precautions against UV exposure when travelling by car[1], potentially leaving themselves vulnerable to the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays during commutes, road trips and everyday travel.
The warning comes as Autotrader marketplace data shows demand for open-top motoring increases when temperatures rise. Searches for convertibles increased by 8% week on week during the May 2026 UK heatwave[2] with models such as the Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL and Mazda MX-5 among the most-viewed vehicles on the platform last month. Although convertibles remain a summer favourite, buyers have far less choice than they did two years ago due to manufacturers favouring producing SUV models instead- as of June 2026, nearly 30% fewer ‘open-tops’ were advertised on the Autotrader platform in June 2026 than in June 2024.
While sunny conditions make top-down driving more appealing, experts are urging motorists to make sun protection part of their journey planning.
Furthermore, last summer, the British Skin Foundation found that a third of Brits had burnt by early summer, yet the same third (31%) admitted that they “couldn’t be bothered to wear sunscreen” in sunny weather.
To help raise awareness, Autotrader has partnered with the British Skin Foundation and Dr Zainab Laftah, who is encouraging motorists to rethink their sun-safety habits behind the wheel.
Although vehicle windscreens are designed to block most UV radiation, side windows from many older vehicles can still allow significant levels of UVA rays to pass through. Unlike UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
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 (UV) 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. Many drivers also underestimate the duration of their exposure during daily commutes, particularly when driving long distances or sitting in traffic. 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.
Dr Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist at The British Skin Foundation
There’s a reason convertibles, sunroofs and panoramic roofs come into their own in summer: they make even everyday journeys feel that bit more special. Whether it’s a weekend drive, a brighter commute or a stretch of open road, drivers naturally want to make the most of good weather and our data shows interest in open-top cars rises when the temperature does. With the UK experiencing several intense heatwaves, car drivers need to be aware that those same features can leave drivers and passengers more exposed than they realise. So, before setting off, sun protection is worth treating like any other summer driving essential - alongside checking tyre pressures, topping up screenwash and keeping water in the car.
Dr Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson’s top tips to staying safe whilst driving in the sun:
As the UK's largest automotive marketplace, Autotrader wants to help motorists make informed decisions not just about the cars they drive, but how they stay safe in them. Autotrader offers the largest choice of new and used cars - including convertibles. To find your next vehicle visit: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/
For more information and expert advice on protecting your skin from the sun, visit the British Skin Foundation website here.
[1] Research conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 UK Nationally Representative Respondents. The data was collected between 19.06.2026 - 22.06.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles
[2] Ad views of convertibles on Autotrader platform (22nd May-28th May vs 15th May-21st May)
Top 10 New & Used most viewed convertibles in May and June on Autotrader:
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