As the warmer weather kicks in and summer gets under way, the conditions on the roads will change which may present new and learner drivers with challenges and driving experiences they’ve not yet encountered. With more cars on the road as people embark on their ‘staycations’ and the freedom of long summer days, it is important to anticipate any issues that may arise.
So, with the conditions changing, we have put together a definitive guide for keeping safe on the roads this summer. Whether it’s avoiding falling victim to on-the-spot fines or ensuring you stay safe on the roads, here’s what you need to know.
Your clothes or footwear could cost you
Your summer wardrobe might be ideal for the beach but it could cause you problems in the car. Rule 97 of The Highway Code states that before setting off you should ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.
Maxi dresses/skirts and flip flops could be considered as going against this rule, as they have the potential to get caught, restrict drivers’ feet movement and affect the use of the pedals.
That means if you’re in an accident and the police see that you have flip flops on, for example, you may be liable for a “driving without due care and attention” charge - which carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence.
If it goes to court that rises to a maximum penalty of a £5,000 fine, nine penalty points and potentially a driving ban.
So whether you’re heading to the beach, park or simply want to let your toes feel the breeze, ensure you have suitable clothing and footwear for getting behind the wheel.
Hay fever sufferers beware
One in four people in the UK has hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and with regular “pollen bombs” occurring throughout the summer months, sufferers will feel the effects. But how many people check the side effects of what they are taking to ease symptoms - and whether they’re OK to drive?
The effects of hay fever:
- Sneezing
- Watery/ itchy eyes
- Itchy throat and nose
- Coughing
The effects of some hay fever tablets
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Certain antihistamines can therefore affect a driver’s abilities and could result in some trouble with the law.
Driving under the influence of any drug is illegal if it impairs your abilities, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. A conviction for drug-driving carries a minimum of a one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine, whilst the worst offences can carry a six-month jail sentence.
Always research what antihistamines you should be taking and always read the label. Check the side effects on the leaflet and take the recommended dose (typically one tablet) to ensure you’re safe to drive.
Changing your air conditioning filter can also be a great help for keeping pollen out of your car whilst keeping you cool.
Feeling hot hot hot?
Warm weather is a welcome change from the usual wet, drizzly British weather, but many motorists could easily pick up fines and penalty points for failing to be prepared.
Road users can become disorientated in the heat which could result in them becoming uncomfortable and distracted behind the wheel.
Rule 237 of The Highway Code states that drivers should:
- Keep your vehicle well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness
- Be aware that road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery
These conditions could affect your steering and braking and if you become dazzled by bright sun you should slow down and if necessary, stop. You should consider this when layering up too, extra clothes could leave you feeling too warm or uncomfortable to drive, or may lead you to attempt removing clothing while behind the wheel.
Driving without due care and attention or careless driving could leave motorists with fines of up to £2,500, or £5,000 in extreme cases, with motorists even issued penalty points and a possible driving ban.
Parking away from direct sunlight will ensure the sun is not baking your car while you’re away and could help keep the interior cool for your next journey, and a simple windscreen sunshade will take the sting out of the heat of certain touch points like the dashboard, steering wheel and gearstick.
Drinking And Driving
Whether it’s a refreshing swig from a water bottle whilst driving, or one or two beers at a BBQ, it’s important to be careful and responsible whilst driving and before your journey.
It is illegal to drink any alcoholic beverage behind the wheel and while there are strict alcohol limits in place, these equate to a different amount of alcohol for each person so it’s important to be cautious and mindful.
Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could result in:
- 3 months’ imprisonment
- Up to £2,500 fine
- A possible driving ban
A conviction for drink-driving also means:
- Your car insurance costs will increase significantly
- If you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your license
- You may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA
Whilst drinking water, soft drinks or hot drinks behind the wheel don’t have the same repercussions, drivers can still be hit with a careless driving charge should it cause them to be distracted.
Driving without due care and attention, or careless driving, carries a £100 fine and up to three penalty points on your licence. But if you were to cause injury it could be nine points, a fine of up to £5,000 and potentially even a court-imposed driving ban.
Always ensure you are well hydrated and under the legal limit before embarking on your journey.
Against the Paw
Driving with an unrestrained pet could cost you up to £5,000 in fines.
Rule 57 of The Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.
"A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."
Whilst disobeying The Highway Code doesn’t carry a direct penalty, you could be pulled over and fined for driving without proper control if your pet distracts you.
It could be stepped up to failing to drive with due care and attention which carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and nine penalty points if the case goes to court.
In extreme cases, the incident could also result in a driving ban and a compulsory re-test.
So if you’re driving with your pet, ensure they are secure in your vehicle and aren’t a distraction.
Summer Essentials To Keep In Your Car
Water
Keeping a full bottle of water in your car is a must. In the event you get stuck somewhere, you do not want to risk getting dehydrated. We advise refilling your water whenever you can as you’ll never know when you might need it.
Sunglasses
To avoid getting dazzled by the bright sun we recommend keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car. By wearing sunglasses you can protect your eyes from the sun and avoid having to squint for extended periods of time. However we do advise you to be cautious as they can affect your peripheral vision if the frames block your sight.
Phone Charger
If you’re out and about all day you may not be keeping track of your phone battery or have access to a charger. We advise you to keep a charger in your car, ensuring that in the event of a breakdown you’ll have full charge to call for help. Just ensure you are not using your phone whilst you are driving.
Jump Leads
It’s wise to keep a set of jump leads in your car all year round, but especially in the summer. Battery issues are common in the summer months due to increased stop-start activity, not just in traffic, but more short journeys when people are at home or at holiday destinations. It’s better to be safe than sorry and have a pair of cables to hand if you discover you have a flat battery.
Torch
Despite the long days you never know when or where you might break down. Having a torch (not just your phone) available to you can be a great asset if you ever need to change a tyre or perform routine maintenance on the side of the road.
Stay safe out there and remember to drive responsibly and carefully.