7 hours ago
Letting your dog hang out of car window & other surprising risks that could cost drivers £1,000s in fines this summer
DRIVERS run the risk of breaking a host of little-known rules this summer - including one that could seriously punish dog owners.
Motorists may be unknowingly risking fines in the thousands of pounds and serious penalty points every time they get behind the wheel.
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According to Heritage Car Insurance, habits like wearing inappropriate sunglasses, overloading vehicles and driving while dehydrated could all be penalised.
A major issue is related to unrestrained pets, something that many car owners do without knowing it breaks a serious rule.
Experts say letting a dog lean out of the car window could lead to fines of up to £5,000 and 9 penalty points under Highway Code Rule 57, but only if a significant distraction contributes to an accident while driving.
Indeed, a standard fine is £100 along with 3 penalty points.
While it may seem harmless and even joyful, drivers are warned it could lead to serious consequences under UK law - as pets must be suitably restrained in vehicles to prevent distractions or interference with the driver's control.
Their reasoning is that an unrestrained dog could move suddenly, interfere with the driver's control or cause the driver to lose focus.
In the event of a collision or sudden stop, a dog could also be injured or cause further harm to passengers.
What's more, police and even insurers may view this behaviour as negligent and it could lead to invalidated insurance claims.
Dog owners are urged to secure their dog while allowing it some freedom of movement, maybe even by using a dog guard, while pet carriers may be used to provide a safe, enclosed space for smaller animals.
Other potentially costly mistakes include wearing inappropriate sunglasses, specifically, Category 4 sunglasses which typically use very dark grey or brown lenses.
While these are seen as ideal for mountainous or desert sunshine with high glare conditions, they're not suitable for driving and can obscure a driver's vision considerably.
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Wearing the wrong sunglasses can lead to fines and penalty points, ranging from a £100 fine and 3 penalty points up to £5,000 and 9 points in serious cases, such as an accident being caused.
Experts insist Category 2 or 3 sunglasses or polarised lenses, which reduce glare while maintaining visibility, should be used instead.
Indeed, sun glare accidents are also a lesser-known problem for motorists and can be deemed as careless driving, resulting in fines up to £2,500 and 9 points.
SUMMER FUN
The UK summertime is, of course, festival season, and while many of the most well-known festivals, from Glastonbury, Parklife and Download, have already been and gone, a handful have yet to go ahead - including Reading and Leeds Festival.
But those taking their cars to a festival need to be aware of parking in unsafe or unsuitable locations, such as muddy fields and how it could lead to insurance claims being refused.
And overloading vehicles, including exceeding a vehicle's weight limit, can result in fines up to £2,500 or even dangerous driving charges - so maybe leave the extra-large tent at home.
While enjoying the summer sun, it's important to stay hydrated - especially when you're behind the wheel.
Driving while dehydrated has been found to double driving errors, increasing accident risks.
Symptoms like slower reaction times, fatigue, and reduced focus can creep in, especially during long journeys in warm weather, and under UK laws can count as failing to maintain proper control of your vehicle.
To stay safe, keep water within reach, take regular breaks and stay hydrated to maintain alertness and control behind the wheel - or risk fines of up to £2,500, penalty points or even a driving conviction
Little-known driving mistakes that can lead to hefty fines
Unrestrained Pets: Letting a dog lean out of the car window can result in fines up to £5,000 and 9 penalty points under Highway Code Rule 57.
Inappropriate Sunglasses: Wearing Category 4 sunglasses, which are too dark for driving, can lead to fines of up to £5,000 and 9 points.
Sun Glare Accidents: Failing to adjust for sun glare can result in fines up to £2,500 and 9 points for careless driving.
Festival Parking: Parking in unsafe or muddy areas can void insurance claims.
Overloading Vehicles: Exceeding weight limits can lead to fines up to £2,500 or dangerous driving charges.
Driving While Dehydrated: Dehydration doubles driving errors, increasing accident risks. Stay hydrated to maintain focus and avoid potential driving penalties.
