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Common summer driving mistakes and how to avoid them

05 June 2023

As we progress into summer and heatwaves are predicted by the Met Office, now is the perfect time to refresh your memory of driving rules relating specifically to hot weather.

Here are some of the most common summer driving mistakes and how to avoid them.

Driving in flip flops

Whilst is it not a crime in itself to drive in flip flops, Highway Code rule 97 states: “Footwear cannot prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.”

Driving in flip flops can pose a safety risk, because they can easily become trapped underneath a pedal, preventing you from braking, pressing the clutch or accelerator.

If you are involved in an accident or found to be driving without due care and attention because of your footwear, you could receive a maximum fine of £1,000 and three penalty points on your driving licence.

Not wearing sunglasses

Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that you must slow down “If you are dazzled by bright sunlight” or stop “if necessary”.

Therefore, you can find yourself in trouble not only for failing to wear eye protection, but for failing to wear the right kind of eye protection.

This guide by the AA explains the requirements for ‘driving-legal’ sunglasses. They should:

Carry the CE safety mark.
Meet the European Standard BS EN 1836:2005, relating to the lens filters.
Keep your vision clear without blocking your peripheral vision.
Provide enough light for you to see and not be too tinted.

When you purchase a pair of sunglasses, watch out for their category number on the label which indicates their level of tint. Categories 1 through 3 are generally considered safe for driving, but category 4 is not. Category 4 sunglasses should specifically be labelled ‘not safe for driving’.

Failing to open a window or use your vehicle’s AC

Rule 237 of the Highway Code says you must keep your vehicle well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness.

This is another mistake which falls under the category of “driving without due care and attention” and can carry both a fine and penalty points.

Incorrect dosage of hay fever medication

It was recently reported that there is a ‘hidden epidemic’ of drug driving in which people are unaware of the legal limit of over-the-counter medication to take whilst driving.

It’s important to check your medication label to ensure that it is safe for you to drive whilst using, and whether or not you need to adjust your dosage if you are planning a car journey.

Compare the Market car insurance expert Julie Daniels issued this reminder to drivers: “Even having just a few penalty points on your licence could cause issues for you, as they stay on record for at least four years and make it more difficult to get good car insurance deals.

“In fact, our data shows that having between 3-5 points on your license could increase your insurance premium by up to 4 per cent on average, while having 6-8 points could increase premiums costs by up to 62 per cent on average.”

Contract hire and fleet management specialists 

We at Marshall Leasing are interested in the latest news relating to road safety, and we trust you find this information interesting.

If you would like to find out more about how you could benefit from our all-inclusive fleet management offering, please get in touch with our friendly team of experts by emailing info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or calling 01480 414541. We will be delighted to assist.

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