Drivers encounter loads of recommendation—some correct, some not—on the best way to navigate the roads safely. Nonetheless, many frequent misconceptions can result in unsafe practices and even authorized points. From velocity limits to ingesting alcohol-free beer behind the wheel, it’s time to set the file straight.
To assist UK motorists keep away from fines, specialists at The AA have separated driving truth from fiction debunking 10 widespread driving myths and offered data to assist drivers keep protected and knowledgeable on the street.
Driving 10% over the velocity restrict with out breaking the regulation
It’s a delusion you could legally drive 10% over the velocity 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 street with a 30 mph restrict), however this isn’t assured. Finest recommendation: keep on with the restrict.
Consuming alcohol as a passenger in a automotive
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, it’s essential 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.
Consuming 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 try. Chewing garlic, citrus, or mints gained’t work both. The message is easy: don’t drink and drive.
Consuming whereas driving
There’s no particular regulation towards consuming whereas driving, however it may result in careless driving prices 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 personal autos with anybody beneath 18 or in firm autos. Should you use a non-public automotive for enterprise sometimes, smoking is allowed. Nonetheless, smoking can nonetheless be a distraction, probably resulting in a careless driving cost.
Driving with snow in your automotive
While it’s not unlawful to drive with snow in your automotive within the UK, the Freeway Code states that it’s essential to be capable of 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 against the law. You need 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 street person.
Driving with the inside lights on
Many consider it’s unlawful to drive with inside lights on, however there’s no regulation towards it. Nonetheless, at night time, it may trigger distractions or impair imaginative and prescient. If deemed a consider careless driving, you would face a cost.
Driving round a roundabout thrice
No, lacking your exit on a roundabout isn’t unlawful. Nonetheless, it’s essential to plan your path to keep away from pointless circling, which might be seen as careless driving. Don’t fear for those who miss it—simply take it the subsequent time after going again across the roundabout safely.
Having decrease tyre stress throughout winter
Decreasing tyre stress in winter for higher traction is a delusion. The truth is, it may truly enhance stopping distances, trigger extra skidding, and cut back gas effectivity. As an alternative, guarantee your tyres are on the really useful stress for safer winter driving.
The AA shares the significance of not being misled by frequent driving myths:
“Many drivers unknowingly consider in these myths, which might result in unsafe habits and even authorized hassle. It’s important to know the info—whether or not it’s sticking to hurry limits or avoiding distractions like consuming whereas driving. Staying knowledgeable helps hold everybody safer on the street.”
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