Whereas many Brits contemplate themselves assured drivers, that doesn’t imply they aren’t responsible of believing and following a number of false guidelines on the highway.
Over the previous three months, searches for ‘is driving barefoot unlawful’ and ‘can you employ water as an alternative of coolant’ have elevated by 50% and 49%, respectively.
However driving myths aren’t simply easy misunderstandings, they will in some circumstances be unsafe and incur potential fines.
So, to assist motorists separate reality from fiction, the automotive specialists at Vertu have analysed search knowledge to disclose and debunk 4 of the most typical driving myths.
Each month, over 5,000 Brits search to see whether or not driving barefoot is prohibited. The excellent news for these with a penchant for driving with out sneakers is that it isn’t unlawful. However that doesn’t essentially imply it’s protected to do, both.
Carrying smart footwear is far safer than driving barefoot. Put on flat, thin-soled sneakers that allow you to really feel the pedals extra simply. And ensure your sneakers can’t slip off your ft simply, in order that they don’t develop into a distraction when driving.
Additionally, at all times keep away from sporting excessive heels, flip-flops, or heavy boots when driving as they make it a lot more durable to regulate your automotive.
Fable: You need to use water as an alternative of coolant
When your automotive is overheating, it may be tempting to make use of water as an alternative of correct coolant. Nonetheless, water lacks anti-corrosive elements which is able to trigger rust in your engine, resulting in leaks and injury.
Nonetheless, in an emergency the place water is your solely choice, use distilled water. Not like faucet water, which accommodates minerals that may hurt your engine, distilled water has no impurities. As soon as the emergency is over, flush out all of the water and refill it with coolant. If you’re fearful in regards to the situation of your automotive after utilizing water as a coolant, then it’s best to get a summer season examine.
To ensure you don’t get caught out or have to make use of distilled water, preserve some engine coolant within the boot of your automotive for emergencies.
Fable: You possibly can’t eat and drive
Legally talking, there’s nothing stopping you from consuming and driving. Nonetheless, in case your snacking turns into a distraction, it could possibly be thought of careless driving. If you’re discovered to be driving carelessly, you could possibly be dealt a hefty £100 on-the-spot tremendous and three factors in your licence.
In the event you do get the urge to snack, keep away from messy meals that might steal your consideration from the highway. If that’s al you have got, then it’s most likely finest to drag over and eat whereas parked.
Fable: You possibly can drive with a cracked windscreen
Whereas there isn’t a particular regulation on cracked windscreens, it’s a motoring offence if the crack obstructs your view. If caught, you could possibly face a £100 tremendous and obtain three factors in your driver’s licence.
In keeping with MOT guidelines, your windscreen shouldn’t have any greater than 40mm of harm wherever. Even a 10mm crack straight within the driver’s line of imaginative and prescient can lead to MOT failure.
In the event you’re driving with a cracked windscreen and get into an accident, you would possibly face extra extreme driving costs. The accident could possibly be thought of your accountability as you had impaired visibility.
There you have got it, the 4 most searched-for driving myths debunked.
