As cold snap approaches, winter driving fact-fiction
There are many common winter driving myths around what you can and can’t do while motoring at this time of the year. As the winter nights draw in and UK roads are blasted by rain, sleet and snow, many drivers will start to panic.
To help motorists stay safe on the roads and ensure their insurance is valid, at Uswitch they have debunked nine winter driving myths to set the record straight.
Uswitch car insurance expert Florence Codjoe said: “Drivers often feel less confident during the winter, as there’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the law. When faced with harsh weather conditions, we urge drivers to prioritise their safety before heading out on the roads, as not only could you increase the risk of a road accident, you could also invalidate your insurance and face a fine or penalty points on your license.”
1 You can be fined if you leave your engine running to defrost the windscreen ... TRUE. The gruelling job of de-icing a frozen windscreen is about to become part of every motorist’s morning routine as winter approaches. If you’re caught leaving your engine running on a public road to defrost your windscreen, you could be slapped with a fine.
2 Winter tyres can invalidate your insurance ... FALSE. Many drivers have winter tyres fitted as they can be safer when driving in harsh weather conditions. This is because the rubber on the tyres operates more effectively in conditions below seven degrees, and they have tread patterns that shift surface water quicker.
3 Using hot water to de-ice your windscreen will crack the glass ... TRUE. While flicking on the kettle may seem like a quick fix to removing ice from your windscreen, it can most definitely damage the glass.
4 It’s illegal to drive in wellies ... FALSE. While it’s not illegal to wear wellies at the wheel, it’s the responsibility of drivers to ensure their footwear is suitable and that they have full control of their vehicle at all times. Rule 97 in the Highway Code states that motorists should ensure “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.
5 Driving with snow on your number plate is illegal ... TRUE. While the windscreen and mirrors are the main priority when it comes to removing snow and ice, leaving your number plate concealed could land you in a spot of bother. If you head out without clearing it, you are breaking the law and could face a fine of up to £1,000. The rules apply to both the front and rear plates.
6 Leaving your car’s engine running to warm up on a cold morning invalidates your insurance if your vehicle is stolen ... TRUE. Most insurers have a ‘keys exclusion’ clause written into the small print, which states that if your car is stolen while left unattended with the engine running, you won’t be covered.
7 Your insurance could be invalid if you damage your car driving through floodwater ... TRUE. It’s always important to check the small print, as many insurers won’t cover you if you damage your car if you drive through floodwater.
8 There’s a higher risk of being involved in an accident during winter because there are fewer hours of daylight
... TRUE. The most obvious danger of night driving is decreased visibility. The distance you can see is shortened, preventing you seeing hazards.
9 You must switch on your fog lights when it’s snowing
... FALSE. Knowing which lights to use in treacherous conditions often leaves motorists confused. Many will put their fog lights on at the slightest dip in visibility, prompting the rest of us to question correct procedure.