DRIVERS on a Hampshire motorway are being urged to keep a pair of shades handy to protect themselves from sun glare.

With sunrise and sunset now occurring during rush hour, the AA is advising thousands of motorists on the M27 to drive safely and keep a pair of sunglasses nearby to reduce the risk of being blinded.

It comes after a stretch of the M27 between junction 9 for Whiteley and junction 12 for Port Solent had been ranked one of the worst roads in the South of England for the problem following a survey of 9,321 UK AA members.

The survey found that 10 per cent either drive into the sun for most of their journey or admit to sometimes being caught out by glare and are temporarily blinded.

Sun glare was a contributory factor in 28 fatal road accidents last year across the UK, a rise on the year before.

Data from the Department for Transport also showed that sun glare contributed to 3.3 per cent of reported road accidents in Hampshire in comparison with the national average of three per cent.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “Most drivers are sensible enough to go with their instincts – they are temporarily blinded and they slow right down.

“In that respect, drivers behind must expect that to happen.

“Where a dazzling sunset gets particularly nasty is when the road turns unexpectedly into it or the glare appears from behind trees or buildings, or by reflection.

“Drivers can’t gamble that that will change quickly – in the couple of hundred yards that takes to happen, there may be a pedestrian, cyclist or jogger.

“All road users need to be fully aware of the potential twilight dangers.”

A spokesperson from Road Safety Analysis, a Department for Transport-funded safety scheme, added: “Drivers should take extra care early in the morning, especially in deep mid-winter when the sun is at its lowest.

“Mature drivers should consider their options regarding eyewear, ensure their eyes are checked regularly and appropriate tinted glasses are available.”