Drivers encounter loads of recommendation—some correct, some not—on how you can navigate the roads safely. Nevertheless, many widespread misconceptions can result in unsafe practices and even authorized points. From pace limits to ingesting alcohol-free beer behind the wheel, it’s time to set the document straight.
To assist UK motorists keep away from fines, specialists at The AA have separated driving reality from fiction debunking 10 widespread driving myths and offered data to assist drivers keep secure and knowledgeable on the highway.
Driving 10% over the pace restrict with out breaking the regulation
It’s a delusion that you could legally drive 10% over the pace restrict. Whereas some police could enable for speedometer inaccuracies, enforcement varies. The Nationwide Police Chief’s Council suggests ticketing solely when exceeding the restrict by 10% plus 2mph (e.g driving 35 mph on a highway with a 30 mph restrict), however this isn’t assured. Finest recommendation: persist with the restrict.
Ingesting alcohol as a passenger in a automobile
It’s authorized to drink alcohol as a passenger, however not all the time advisable. Passengers can assist safer driving. If supervising a learner driver, you will need to keep sober and keep away from utilizing your cellphone. You completely can’t drink alcohol whereas driving, as even one drink might put you over the authorized drink-driving restrict.
Ingesting alcohol-free beer whereas driving
It’s not unlawful to drink alcohol-free beer whereas driving within the UK, but when it resembles an alcoholic beverage, you should still be stopped by police. To keep away from confusion and delays, it’s greatest to attend till after your journey to drink.
Sucking a penny will idiot a breathalyser
There’s a delusion that sucking on pennies can cheat a breathalyser, but it surely’s false and unlawful to aim. Chewing garlic, citrus, or mints received’t work both. The message is straightforward: don’t drink and drive.
Consuming whereas driving
There’s no particular regulation towards consuming whereas driving, however it will possibly result in careless driving costs if it distracts you. This carries a most penalty of £5,000, three to 9 factors in your licence and a discretionary driving disqualification. To remain secure, eat when stationary, particularly in unhealthy climate the place stopping distances are longer.
Smoking whereas driving
It’s unlawful to smoke in personal autos with anybody beneath 18 or in firm autos. If you happen to use a personal automobile for enterprise sometimes, smoking is allowed. Nevertheless, smoking can nonetheless be a distraction, probably resulting in a careless driving cost.
Driving with snow in your automobile
While it’s not unlawful to drive with snow in your automobile within the UK, the Freeway Code states that you will need to be capable to see out of each window in your car. If snow in your home windows is inflicting your visibility to be diminished then this might be deemed as harmful driving, which undoubtedly is illegitimate. It’s best to clear any snow off the roof additionally, as this could slide over your home windows and block your view, or fly off and hit one other highway person.
Driving with the inside lights on
Many imagine it’s unlawful to drive with inside lights on, however there’s no regulation towards it. Nevertheless, at evening, it will possibly trigger distractions or impair imaginative and prescient. If deemed a consider careless driving, you may face a cost.
Driving round a roundabout thrice
No, lacking your exit on a roundabout isn’t unlawful. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to plan your path to keep away from pointless circling, which might be seen as careless driving. Don’t fear if you happen to miss it—simply take it the subsequent time after going again across the roundabout safely.
Having decrease tyre strain throughout winter
Decreasing tyre strain in winter for higher traction is a delusion. In actual fact, it will possibly really improve stopping distances, trigger extra skidding, and scale back gas effectivity. As a substitute, guarantee your tyres are on the really useful strain for safer winter driving.
The AA shares the significance of not being misled by widespread driving myths:
“Many drivers unknowingly imagine in these myths, which might result in unsafe habits and even authorized hassle. It’s important to know the information—whether or not it’s sticking to hurry limits or avoiding distractions like consuming whereas driving. Staying knowledgeable helps maintain everybody safer on the highway.”
Yow will discover a hyperlink to the total examine right here
