- Summertime and the driving isn't easy as motorists could be slapped with fines and penalty points for breaking little-known rules
- Drivers need to be wary of wearing flip flops, while hay fever sufferers should resist the urge to rub itchy eyes while driving
- The advice has been issued by leading motoring site Trackdays
Unsuspecting motorists could be hit with hefty fines for little-known driving rules more likely to be imposed over summer.
The timely warning has been issued by Dan Jones, operations manager at Trackdays.co.uk.
Dan said: "Some simple acts behind the wheel, which many drivers wouldn't give a second thought to, can actually be breaking the Highway Code and result in big financial penalties."
In the doghouse
As the temperature rises, it might be tempting for dog owners to let their pet stick its head out of the car window when moving for some fresh air.
However, this can contravene Rule 57 of the Highway Code which states that dogs and other animals are suitably restrained so they are not a distraction, or cause injury if stopping suddenly.
It can be seen as driving without due care and attention, landing owners with fines of up to £5,000 and penalty points.
Costly itchy irritations
Hay fever is one of the most common allergies, affecting about a quarter of the UK population, according to NHS estimates.
Sneezing, itchy eyes and a stuffy nose are the usual symptoms. While it is very tempting to rub itchy eyes when driving, drivers should avoid the urge, as it might be classed as dangerous driving.
This is because diverting attention or taking hands off the driving wheel, could be seen as "failing to maintain proper control of your vehicle", particularly if this leads to an accident. It can result in fines of up to £1,000.
Sunglasses can be a dampener
Highway Code Rule 94 means wearing sunglasses could be punishable. This might be when in the dusk or driving in a tunnel, which can increase the risk of having a collision.
If it was found a collision occurred because of not adhering to Rule 94, then it could be considered as not having proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road ahead.
The consequence can be fines of up to £1,000, three points on a licence or disqualification.
Slip up with flip flops
As the temperature rises, it's only natural to swap trainers for flip flops or sliders.
However, Rule 97 of the Highway Code is very clear in that clothing and footwear must not prevent the driver from using the controls in the correct manner.
This could happen if flip flops or sliders become loose, get wedged under the pedals affecting the controls, which could lead to erratic driving or accidents. Additionally, the Driving Standards agency (DSA) keeps a close eye on footwear.
The government agency stipulates that shoes need to have a sole no thicker than 10mm, while not being too thin or soft. They also need to provide good grip, not limit ankle movement, not be too heavy, and be narrow enough to prevent pressing two pedals at the same time.
Drivers wearing flip flops who crash could face being charged with "driving without due care and attention". The lower end of punishment is a £100 fine and three penalty points, rising to a possible £5,000 fine, nine penalty points and a driving ban if it goes to court.
Dan adds: "Spirits are lifted when the sun is beaming down, and it can be easy to forget some common sense driving habits. I'd urge drivers to remember that these driving rules can be enforced all year round, so to remain alert behind the wheel at all times."
Take a look at our range of Driving Lessons and Skid Pan Control sessions we offer at UK wide venues, that will equip you with vital driving skills for safer driving - no matter how high the thermostat goes this summer!
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