YOUR summer wardrobe could land you a hefty £5,000 fine when driving in sweltering temperatures, motor experts have warned. Drivers should beware of their seasonal style-choices as one item of clothing in particular could land you in hot water as the heatwave strikes. Temperatures today are set to soar to scorching highs of 34C, but […]
YOUR summer wardrobe could land you a hefty £5,000 fine when driving in sweltering temperatures, motor experts have warned.
Drivers should beware of their seasonal style-choices as one item of clothing in particular could land you in hot water as the heatwave strikes.
Temperatures today are set to soar to scorching highs of 34C, but drivers need to be hot on their toes or face a visit to court.
Motorists dressed down to catch some rays need to be careful about their footwear choices, according to experts at Driver Hire Training.
Driving wearing flip flops, sliders or even going barefoot could be a breach of the Highway Code.
Summer shoes like this could catch on the pedals or slip off and obstruct the brakes.
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High heels are another dangerous outfit choice making it difficult for a driver to properly push down on the pedals – stilettos could easily slip off so are a strict no, no in the driver’s seat.
Clothing and footwear should “not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner” and risking you lose control of the car, according to Rule 97 of the Highway Code.
Richard Owen-Hughes, Marketing Director at Driver Hire Training, said: “Drivers should make conscious decisions to wear clothing and shoes that aren’t at risk of endangering themselves or those around them.
“Whilst it may be tempting to be in cooler shoes during the heatwave, we advise drivers to make use of other cooling systems in the vehicle to make the drive more enjoyable and safe.”
Drivers defying the dress code could be slapped with a fine of up to £5,000 or even a driving ban if they are found to be driving dangerously.
Offences of “careless driving” or “driving without reasonable consideration for other road users” could land you a fixed penalty notice, points on your licence, a fine or even ban, depending on how serious an incident is.
If drivers are overheating and feel they need to strip off their socks and shoes, Driver Hire Training luckily provided their top tips for staying cool on the road below.
Another fashion faux pas behind the wheel could catch out motorists as temperatures turn up for summer.
Forgetting your sunglasses could land you in hot water when driving in hot weather – you could be slapped with a £1,000 fine or three points on your licence.
Bright sunlight can cause a strong glare across a car’s windscreen that might distort a driver’s view of the road.
You could quickly lose control of your vehicle or worsen your view of the road and traffic ahead if you’re blinded by gleaming sun or bright reflections.
By wearing sunglasses, motorists can take the adverse effects of sunny weather into their own hands.
Keep your car in the shade
Try parking your vehicle in shade, under cover or in a garage to keep the direct sunlight from heating up the interior.
Sun shades which run across the windscreen or windows to reflect heat away are another great option.
Air conditioning
Make use of your vehicle’s air conditioning to make sure you remain cool, but also alert when driving.
Windows down
When driving at slower speeds, make use of the breeze by putting your window slightly ajar – as warm air rises this can help the hotter air escape.
Water
Bring water – most importantly for you, so you can stay hydrated, but also for your vehicle.
Should it overheat you may need to top up the cooling system.
