21 December 2022
Fact or Fiction: Winter driving edition
Should you be switching to winter tyres? What sort of shoes should you be wearing to drive? and do you really need to clear the ice off of your windscreen?
CAR CRIME RISES DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD - FACT
Although car theft claims are typically lower on Christmas day itself compared to the rest of the year, within the festive period leading up to christmas we see an unfortunate spike in theft related crimes. Last year, the Office for National Statistics reported that over 101,000 cars were stolen.
YOU MUST CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT AT ALL TIMES - FICTION
There are no laws, rules or regulations that stipulate the need to carry an emergency kit, although during the colder and icy months, it may be wise to ensure you have one. Learn more about what you should keep in an emergency winter kit here.
WINTER DRIVING IS DANGER DUE TO DAY LIGHT SAVINGS - FACT
It doesn't take a genius to realise that driving during darker hours can become more dangerous and lead to more accidents. With the shorter days during the winter, we may find ourselves out driving in the dark, which puts us at an increased risk of an accident due to reduced visability. Learn more here about what you can do to help lower the risk of an accident during the night.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WITH AN ICY WINDSCREEN - FACT
The highway code states that "before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from your windows". What happens if you start your journey and your vision is blocked? You could face a £60 fine. So grab your can of de-icer and a scrapper and turn your vehicles heating on before you set off.
YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE IN BOOTS - FICTION
Even though you are advised not to wear heels or flip flops whilst driving, during the winter you are permitted to drive whilst wearing boots or wellies. Any footwear is appropriate to drive in as long as it does 'not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'.
WINTER TYRES MAY INVALIDATE YOUR VEHICLE INSURANCE - FACT
Although it is a good idea to change your tyres to a more weather appropriate alternative, it could mean that your insurance will be invalid. Some insurance companies class this as a modifications and all modifications need to be declared on the policy. Check your policy provider before switching your tyres.
Although car theft claims are typically lower on Christmas day itself compared to the rest of the year, within the festive period leading up to christmas we see an unfortunate spike in theft related crimes. Last year, the Office for National Statistics reported that over 101,000 cars were stolen.
YOU MUST CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT AT ALL TIMES - FICTION
There are no laws, rules or regulations that stipulate the need to carry an emergency kit, although during the colder and icy months, it may be wise to ensure you have one. Learn more about what you should keep in an emergency winter kit here.
WINTER DRIVING IS DANGER DUE TO DAY LIGHT SAVINGS - FACT
It doesn't take a genius to realise that driving during darker hours can become more dangerous and lead to more accidents. With the shorter days during the winter, we may find ourselves out driving in the dark, which puts us at an increased risk of an accident due to reduced visability. Learn more here about what you can do to help lower the risk of an accident during the night.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WITH AN ICY WINDSCREEN - FACT
The highway code states that "before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from your windows". What happens if you start your journey and your vision is blocked? You could face a £60 fine. So grab your can of de-icer and a scrapper and turn your vehicles heating on before you set off.
YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE IN BOOTS - FICTION
Even though you are advised not to wear heels or flip flops whilst driving, during the winter you are permitted to drive whilst wearing boots or wellies. Any footwear is appropriate to drive in as long as it does 'not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'.
WINTER TYRES MAY INVALIDATE YOUR VEHICLE INSURANCE - FACT
Although it is a good idea to change your tyres to a more weather appropriate alternative, it could mean that your insurance will be invalid. Some insurance companies class this as a modifications and all modifications need to be declared on the policy. Check your policy provider before switching your tyres.