Drivers encounter loads of recommendation—some correct, some not—on how you can navigate the roads safely. Nonetheless, many widespread misconceptions can result in unsafe practices and even authorized points. From pace limits to consuming alcohol-free beer behind the wheel, it’s time to set the report straight.
To assist UK motorists keep away from fines, consultants at The AA have separated driving reality from fiction debunking 10 widespread driving myths and supplied data to assist drivers keep protected and knowledgeable on the highway.
Driving 10% over the pace restrict with out breaking the regulation
It’s a fantasy that you may legally drive 10% over the pace restrict. Whereas some police could permit 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. Greatest recommendation: keep on with the restrict.
Ingesting alcohol as a passenger in a automobile
It’s authorized to drink alcohol as a passenger, however not at all times advisable. Passengers can support safer driving. If supervising a learner driver, you need to keep sober and keep away from utilizing your telephone. You completely can’t drink alcohol whereas driving, as even one drink may 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 fantasy that sucking on pennies can cheat a breathalyser, nevertheless it’s false and unlawful to try. 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 in opposition to consuming whereas driving, however it may possibly result in careless driving expenses 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 protected, eat when stationary, particularly in dangerous climate the place stopping distances are longer.
Smoking whereas driving
It’s unlawful to smoke in non-public automobiles with anybody underneath 18 or in firm automobiles. When you use a personal automobile for enterprise often, smoking is allowed. Nonetheless, 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 need to have the ability to see out of each window in your automobile. If snow in your home windows is inflicting your visibility to be diminished then this might be deemed as harmful driving, which undoubtedly is prohibited. 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 consider it’s unlawful to drive with inside lights on, however there’s no regulation in opposition to it. Nonetheless, at evening, it may possibly trigger distractions or impair imaginative and prescient. If deemed a think about careless driving, you could possibly face a cost.
Driving round a roundabout thrice
No, lacking your exit on a roundabout isn’t unlawful. Nonetheless, it’s vital to plan your path to keep away from pointless circling, which might be seen as careless driving. Don’t fear when you 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 fantasy. Actually, it may possibly truly improve stopping distances, trigger extra skidding, and scale back gasoline effectivity. As an alternative, guarantee your tyres are on the beneficial strain for safer winter driving.
The AA shares the significance of not being misled by widespread driving myths:
“Many drivers unknowingly consider in these myths, which may result in unsafe habits and even authorized bother. It’s important to know the details—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.”
You’ll find a hyperlink to the total examine right here
