Car with synthetic ‘human skin’ reacts to UV rays revealing sun damage drivers exposed to behind the wheel

More than two thirds of drivers falsely believe they are protected from the sun while they are in a car, a survey has revealed.

The report showed that about 70 per cent of Australians did not think they could get burned while they were inside their vehicles, with 65 per cent stating they did not apply sunscreen before getting behind the wheel.

About 39 per cent of respondents to the survey, commissioned by mycar Tyre & Auto, also said they were unaware standard car windows leave drivers and passengers exposed to dangerous UV rays.

It is despite 92 per cent of respondents saying they considered themselves sun safe.

About two in three Australians are diagnosed with a form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

To raise awareness of the UV risk while driving, the company designed a car completely reupholstered with a synthetic ‘human skin’, designed to get sunburnt when exposed to harmful UV rays.

The skin-like material even includes hair and freckles as well as moles resembling those that could be cancerous; a visual reminder for those that see the car to get a check if they have similar moles.

Concord Hospital burns and reconstructive surgeon-scientist Joanneke Maitz informed the design of the car interior.

“Many Australians don’t realise that UV exposure in the car creates damage over time,” she said.

“Damage to your skin can happen without the visible effects of burning. This experiment is an important reminder to drivers and their passengers to understand the risk and protect themselves.

“Although UVB, the main cause of visible sunburn, doesn’t typically penetrate car glass, UVA does in varying amounts.

“UVA reaches deeper layers of the skin where it contributes to long-term DNA damage and ageing.”

A sun spot sticker as also been designed, which sticks to your car and changes colour when UV is detected, helping drivers and passengers know when it’s time to protect their skin.

mycar Tyre & Auto is giving free UV detection stickers at any of its Australian location or via their website.

The car will be unveiled at Circular Quay in Sydney on Wednesday.