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We’ve all rolled down the window to enjoy a warm breeze on short and long drives alike. And it’s likely that you may have even noticed some extra color on that arm that was waving in the breeze. But what we don’t realize is how much that repeated unprotected sun exposure may put us at risk for skin cancer and sun damage.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, motorists who drive with their window open may be putting their left arm and left side at risk for sun cancer. In instances that skin cancer develops on one side of the body, 52-52% of cases are on the left side of the body. The report also states that 55% of Merkel cell carcinoma cases on the upper arms developed on the left side. Conversely, in countries such as Australia that drive on the left side of the road, a 1986 study found that Australian men were more likely to develop cancerous growths on their right side.

So what to do? Wear sunscreen, of course! Sadly, this is another example of unknown but frequent sun damage. And remember, our sunscreens reflect the sun’s damaging rays while still allowing you to get a little of that Vitamin D you need! Drive safely.