Survey reveals rules of the road ignorance

DID you know sounding your horn in stationary traffic could land you with a £1,000 fine or that fog lights should only be used when visibility drops below 100 metres?

A new survey has revealed a worryingly high number of drivers in the UK are blissfully ignorant of some of the key rules of the road.

Fog can significantly impact on your driving as visibility will be reduced significantly, but many motorists fall into a trap of misusing their fog lights when they do not need them.

The Highway Code states fog lights should only ever be used in the fog and when visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet)

Failing to use them could impact the safety of yourself, your passengers and others around you on the road

If you are involved in an accident during fog and you failed to use your fog lights it could invalidate your insurance.

A survey of 1,000 people conducted by Warranty Direct found that only 38 per cent knew it was illegal for drivers to sound their horn in stationary traffic.

Drivers across Coventry and Warwickshire who do so could see themselves faced with a fine of up to £1,000.

The Highway Code stipulates that drivers should only honk their horn when their car is moving or they need to warn others of their presence.

There is one exception to the rule in that it is permissible to sound one’s horn in stationary traffic if another road user poses a danger.

The reminder should serve as food for thought for anyone who resorts to honking their horn in a traffic jam to vent their frustration.

The Highway Code also states drivers must not sound their horn aggressively, while stationary on the road or when driving in a built-up area between 11.30pm and 7am.

The survey results reveal a worrying lack of knowledge when it comes to UK driving laws.

The poll found that only 31 per cent knew ‘happy splashing’ - defined as purposely driving through a puddle to soak pedestrians - can get a driver three points on their licence. And worryingly a quarter of respondents thought it was legal to both overtake and undertake on the motorway.

A third of drivers also think it is permissible to pull over and sleep on the hard shoulder if they can’t find a rest stop.

Chief operating officer or Warranty Direct, Philip Ward said: “Our latest survey reveals there is a strong need for UK drivers to brush up on their knowledge of driving laws.

“The results suggest many mistakes made could be down to not knowing the appropriate laws, which can be easily rectified.

“We recommend any unsure drivers to re-read a copy of the Highway Code to avoid causing any dangerous situations when out on the road.”