Drivers warned common ‘friendly gesture’ could | Tech News

Over half of UK drivers are violating the freeway code because of widespread driving myths, in line with current analysis.

A survey performed by LKQ Euro Car Parts sought to uncover probably the most common misconceptions amongst UK drivers about street guidelines and the potential repercussions of these beliefs.

With practically three out of 5 (58%) drivers infringing the freeway code as a result of of these myths, and risking driving fines of up to £1,000, consultants at LKQ Euro Car Parts have spotlighted the 5 most frequent errors and the fact behind every one.

Check out these 5 myths under to make sure you are not breaking any of the principles.

Otherwise you could end up hit with a positive for unintentionally breaking the freeway code. 

Myth 1: Flashing your lights as a pleasant gesture is suitable (60%)

Almost half (45%) of motorists confess that they often flash their full-beam lights as a pleasant gesture, with some even sharing they do that on social media. This is usually achieved to permit somebody out of a junction or to specific gratitude in return.

However, this seemingly type act is definitely a breach of the freeway code and could result in a positive of up to £1,000. A major 60% of drivers are unaware that this behaviour is prohibited.

Highway Code Rule 110 states: “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed.”

Myth 2: It’s unlawful to drive with the inside gentle on (38%)

From a younger age, many people are led to imagine that it is unlawful to drive with the inside gentle on. In reality, 38% of drivers maintain this perception.

However, opposite to in style perception, there are no guidelines in opposition to driving together with your vehicle’s inside lights on. That being stated, it may be distracting, so it ought to solely be used when completely essential and for transient intervals.

Myth 3: You can beep your horn to specific frustration (52%)

More than half of UK drivers (52%) suppose it is innocent to honk their car horn at different street customers out of frustration, with over a third (36%) admitting they’ve achieved so prior to now.

However, whereas you need to use your horn to alert others to hazard, in case you honk merely out of annoyance, you might be violating the freeway code and could obtain a Fixed Penalty Notice of £30.

According to rule 112 of the freeway code: “Use your horn only while your vehicle is moving, and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You must not use your horn while stationary on a road – “besides” when another road user poses a danger.”

Myth 4: It is against the law to drive in sure footwear or barefoot (43%)

The sort of footwear you put on whereas driving can influence your capability to drive safely, however there are no strict guidelines or legal guidelines about what you may put on in your toes, together with flip flops, high heels and even going barefoot.

A major quantity of drivers mistakenly imagine it is unlawful to drive in flipflops (41%), barefoot (43%) or in high heels (29%). However, you might be stopped for unsafe driving, so all the time guarantee you may drive competently in no matter footwear you select.

Myth 5: Air-con is more fuel environment friendly than rolling down the home windows (68%)

Over two thirds of drivers (68%) imagine air-con makes use of much less fuel than driving with the home windows down, thus making it probably the most economical selection.

However, this is not correct. When driving at slower speeds, having the home windows open is the more fuel-efficient option because it creates minimal drag in comparison with the fixed power consumption attributable to AC.