Most dangerous thing you could do in car during heatwave

Daily Mirror

28-04-2025

As many parts of the UK enjoy soaring temperatures, motorists are being urged to put road safety at the forefront of their minds when reaching into their seasonal wardrobes
While many Brits are enjoying the warmer weather, temperatures could be set to rise in coming days. With temperatures expected to remain in the 20s for much of the week, record-breaking temperatures could be on the horizon as the UK basks in sunshine. 'The warmest day of the week looks set to be Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 29C in the southeast,' explained the Met Office.
If temperatures reach 29C, this could see the 76-year record for the hottest April on record.
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But as temperatures heat up, and as people reach for their summer wardrobes, drivers have been urged to ensure that road safety is at the forefront of their mind when thinking about their footwear.
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Although there is no law that states people must wear certain types of footwear when driving, Rule 97 of the Highway Code says people should ensure their 'clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner' so it might be time to step away from the flip flop.
READ MORE: UK weather maps turn ORANGE as exact date 27C heat blast set to roast Brits revealed
According to the RAC, although light and impractical footwear can be dangerous, sturdier shoes can be too.
When picking footwear to drive in, people should opt for a shoe that has a good base and grip that allows them to apply pressure to the pedals. Your footwear also needs to give you the ability to manipulate the controls.
'Motorists should remember that while the Highway Code is not considered a legal document, much of it is underpinned by UK legislation, meaning it is a criminal offence to break certain rules,' explains Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk.
'Failure to know the rules of the road can see drivers hit with hefty fines and penalty points on their licence, which could in turn affect the insurance premium.
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Therefore, it is important that all drivers familiarise themselves with the Highway Code on a regular basis and be aware of these unusual offences.'
As well as addressing footwear concerns, the insurance comparison site also looked into other myths surrounding driving, including whether motorists can eat or drink behind the wheel. Although it's not technically illegal to do so when driving, it could see you slapped with a fine.
According to Rule 148 of the Highway Code, 'safe driving and riding needs concentration' and drivers must 'avoid distractions when driving or riding' including eating or drinking. If police determine that eating or drinking behind the wheel has led to you becoming distracted and losing control of your vehicle, you could be charged with careless or inconsiderate driving.
This carries a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points.
As well as this, Rule 148 of the Highway Code also states that 'loud music' could be distracting and impact your road safety if it masks other sounds, such as emergency sirens or horns from other cars.