UV Protection Month
As a professional driver constantly exposed to the sun's rays, you need to wear the right 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 serve a vital role beyond fashion—they shield your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Understanding which types of light are harmful to your eyes is essential, as some are more dangerous than others. Consider these tips for selecting the best non-prescription sunglasses.
Choose sunglasses that block 99–100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
UV protection is the most important feature to consider when buying sunglasses. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause serious eye diseases like cataracts. Sunglasses labeled “UV400” block all UVA and UVB rays, offering complete protection. Some sunglasses also say they block infrared rays, but there is little evidence that infrared light harms your eyes.
UV protection is the most important feature to consider when buying sunglasses. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause serious eye diseases like cataracts. Sunglasses labeled “UV400” block all UVA and UVB rays, offering complete protection. Some sunglasses also say they block infrared rays, but there is little evidence that infrared light harms your eyes.
Don't rely on the price.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get good protection. Many low-cost sunglasses offer 99–100% UV protection, so you can keep your eyes safe even on a budget.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get good protection. Many low-cost sunglasses offer 99–100% UV protection, so you can keep your eyes safe even on a budget.
Check the quality of the lenses.
Besides UV protection, make sure the lenses are clear and don't distort your vision. To check, find something with straight lines, like floor tiles. Hold the sunglasses in front of your eyes and cover one eye. Move the glasses side to side and up and down. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are good quality. If the lines look bent or wavy, especially in the center, choose a different pair.
Besides UV protection, make sure the lenses are clear and don't distort your vision. To check, find something with straight lines, like floor tiles. Hold the sunglasses in front of your eyes and cover one eye. Move the glasses side to side and up and down. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are good quality. If the lines look bent or wavy, especially in the center, choose a different pair.
Look for impact-resistant lenses.
All sunglasses sold in the United States must meet safety standards for impact resistance set by the FDA. No lenses are completely unbreakable, but plastic lenses are less likely to break than glass ones. Polycarbonate lenses, often used in sports sunglasses, are even stronger but scratch more easily. If you pick polycarbonate lenses, make sure they have a scratch-resistant coating.
All sunglasses sold in the United States must meet safety standards for impact resistance set by the FDA. No lenses are completely unbreakable, but plastic lenses are less likely to break than glass ones. Polycarbonate lenses, often used in sports sunglasses, are even stronger but scratch more easily. If you pick polycarbonate lenses, make sure they have a scratch-resistant coating.
Wear protective eyewear for hazardous activities.
For activities like water skiing or snow skiing, regular sunglasses won’t protect you from injury. Use special protective eyewear that also blocks UV rays to keep your eyes safe from both injuries and sunburn.
For activities like water skiing or snow skiing, regular sunglasses won’t protect you from injury. Use special protective eyewear that also blocks UV rays to keep your eyes safe from both injuries and sunburn.
Lens tint and polarization are personal preferences.
You can choose any lens color you like—no tint is better for your eye health than another. Polarized lenses help cut down glare, but they do not block more harmful UV rays than regular lenses.
You can choose any lens color you like—no tint is better for your eye health than another. Polarized lenses help cut down glare, but they do not block more harmful UV rays than regular lenses.
Once you have good sunglasses, wear them whenever you are outside. This is most important in the summer, when UV rays are much stronger. Also, remember to wear your sunglasses during winter sports and at high elevations, where UV exposure can still be high.
Question of the Week
I received a warning letter from the FMCSA regarding my CSA SMS scores. What should I do?
A warning letter gives you a chance to fix safety and compliance issues before the FMCSA takes further action. Read the letter closely—it lists the exact safety problems found using Safety Measurement System (SMS) data. The letter also tells you how to check your safety record and warns about what could happen if your company does not improve.
What happens next?
You don't have to reply to the warning letter. The FMCSA will keep tracking your safety record and compliance using the Safety Measurement System (SMS) at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms/.
As a motor carrier, check your SMS data often. If you don’t fix safety or compliance issues, the FMCSA might take further action. This could mean fines, suspension, or losing your company’s right to operate. FMCSA may also investigate your company, either remotely or in person.
CVSA Brake Safety Week Scheduled for August 23–29
CVSA Brake Safety Week will be held from August 23–29 as part of Brake Safety Awareness Month.
During this week, roadside inspectors will focus on checking brake systems and components as part of their standard inspections. This year, they will pay extra attention to brake drums and rotors.
After the event, CVSA will share a report with the results of their inspections.
Brake Safety Week is also a time for companies to teach drivers and maintenance staff about the importance of brake safety and regular maintenance in preventing crashes.
Idealease/NPTC safety seminars are in full swing!
Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC hosted 18 safety seminars in 2025. We are getting ready for the next sessions in the Fall of 2026. The one-day seminars will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides valuable information applicable for both novice and experienced transportation professionals.
Upcoming Fall seminars confirmed:
- 9/15/2026 - DePere, WI
- 9/17/2026 - Southfield, MI
- 9/22/2026 - Midway, KY
- 9/24/2026 - Chattanooga, TN
- 9/29/2026 - Glendale Heights, IL
- 10/8/2026 - Oxnard, CA
- 10/20/2026 - Nashville, TN
- 10/22/2026 - Atlanta, GA
- 11/10/2026 - Linthicum Heights, MD
👉 Register here:
*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.
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