Ever been dazzled by the sun when you've been driving? Thousands of motorists are temporarily blinded each day in winter when the sun is low in the sky, yet most do not carry a pair of sunglasses in the car.

Green Flag conducted a survey of motorists that revealed 84 per cent had been dazzled by the winter sun, and alarmingly, nearly a third admitted that when this happens they simply slam on the brakes, presenting a danger to other drivers.

Green Flag's Nigel Charlesworth says: "The sun can cause problems for drivers at this time of year because it is so low in the sky. The majority of drivers we spoke to admit that their vision is often obscured. Despite this, only half of those we questioned carry sunglasses in the car during winter."

Many drivers were also critical of the design of in-car sun visors. Half of those surveyed by Green Flag said sun visors do not come down low enough to block the sun's rays, causing them to sit up higher in their seats in an attempt to avoid the glare. A further 25 per cent said that the visors were not effective at all.

Nigel Charlesworth adds: "Despite these results, our survey did find that 30 per cent of drivers would slow down if dazzled when on an unfamiliar road, and 13 per cent said they would pull over to the side until their eyes adjusted to the bright light. We suggest drivers always keep a pair of sunglasses close to hand in the car, even if it is a cold winter's day."

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