Whereas many Brits think about themselves assured drivers, that doesn’t imply they aren’t responsible of believing and following a number of false guidelines on the street.
Over the previous three months, searches for ‘is driving barefoot unlawful’ and ‘can you utilize water as a substitute of coolant’ have elevated by 50% and 49%, respectively.
However driving myths aren’t simply easy misunderstandings, they’ll in some circumstances be unsafe and incur potential fines.
So, to assist motorists separate truth from fiction, the automotive consultants at Vertu have analysed search knowledge to disclose and debunk 4 of the commonest driving myths.
Each month, over 5,000 Brits search to see whether or not driving barefoot is illegitimate. 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.
Sporting wise 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 not slip off your ft simply, in order that they don’t develop into a distraction when driving.
Additionally, at all times keep away from carrying excessive heels, flip-flops, or heavy boots when driving as they make it a lot more durable to manage your automotive.
Fable: You should use water as a substitute of coolant
When your automotive is overheating, it may be tempting to make use of water as a substitute of correct coolant. Nonetheless, water lacks anti-corrosive elements which can trigger rust in your engine, resulting in leaks and injury.
Nonetheless, in an emergency the place water is your solely choice, use distilled water. In contrast to faucet water, which comprises 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. In case you are apprehensive in regards to the situation of your automotive after utilizing water as a coolant, then it’s best to get a summer time test.
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 may very well be thought-about careless driving. In case you are discovered to be driving carelessly, you might be dealt a hefty £100 on-the-spot wonderful and three factors in your licence.
If you happen to do get the urge to snack, keep away from messy meals that would steal your consideration from the street. If that’s al you might have, then it’s most likely greatest 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 might face a £100 wonderful and obtain three factors in your driver’s licence.
Based on 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.
If you happen to’re driving with a cracked windscreen and get into an accident, you may face extra extreme driving fees. The accident may very well be thought-about your duty as you had impaired visibility.
There you might have it, the 4 most searched-for driving myths debunked.
