Drivers warned phone brightness can lead to £1000 | Tech News

As the clocks go back on Sunday, October 26, British summertime will formally draw to a close. Consequently, motorists will encounter prolonged nights, a decrease solar within the sky, and inevitably – an increase in seasonal highway hazards.

What quite a few drivers fail to recognise is that minor actions couldn’t solely endanger them, but additionally lead to hundreds in fines in addition to a number of factors on their licence beneath the Highway Code.

Smart dashcam firm Nextbase’s current analysis reveals essentially the most frequent errors motorists commit when adapting to dimmer evenings, and how simple changes can avert collisions and fines altogether.

Bryn Brooker, Head of Road Safety at Nextbase, has shared his knowledgeable tips about how to keep away from motoring fines as the times get shorter and nights get longer throughout Britain.

Reduce that phone brightness — it might prevent £1000

Bryn cautions drivers: “As the evenings draw in earlier and drivers rely more on their phone for satnav or hands-free calls, remember to turn your screen brightness down. A glaring screen can impair drivers’ night vision and distract you from the road ahead, potentially putting you at risk of prosecution.”

He continues: “The issue is more widespread than you might think, with our research finding that nearly a quarter of drivers (23%) would go as far as to use their phone to join work calls while driving, highlighting just how easily it is to get distracted.”

While it is legal to use a phone hands-free when correctly secured, drivers might nonetheless face hefty penalties if police consider it is inflicting harmful driving. A distraction-related offence can lead to a £1000 nice and three penalty factors in your licence.

Forget these British manners — they may price you £1,000

Bryn warns: “When driving in darker evenings, many motorists flash their headlights to say “thanks” or signal that another car can pull out. While it feels like a harmless gesture, the Highway Code is very clear, flashing headlights should only be used to warn other road users of your presence. Using them for any other reason could be considered misleading, and if it contributes to an accident, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 for careless driving.”

He additional notes: “Interestingly, our research has found that 32% of drivers didn’t agree with this rule, meaning a significant number may be putting themselves at risk and flashing their lights, risking those points and fines. Instead, a simple wave will do or, if you can resist the British urge, don’t say thank you at all, it could save you thousands.”

A 15-minute service station break might prevent up to £5,000

The highway security knowledgeable explains: “With the clocks going back, thousands will be driving home in the dark for the first time in more than six months, and many drivers underestimate how quickly their alertness can decline when driving in darker conditions. Reduced visibility, long, tedious stretches of road, and natural dips in our body clock can cause microsleeps, brief, involuntary lapses in attention that last only a few seconds but are enough to trigger serious accidents.”

He advises: “The solution is to take regular breaks – 15 minutes every two hours – yet our research shows that 42% of drivers either do this rarely or never at all. Failing to manage fatigue behind the wheel is not only dangerous, it can also be classed as careless or dangerous driving, carrying fines of up to £5,000, up to 9 penalty points, or even a driving ban, depending on the severity of the incident.”

Make this your subsequent Autumn learn — or it might set you back up to £2,500

Statistics show that 35% of motorists have not regarded on the Highway Code since passing their driving take a look at. Additionally, practically half of drivers (48%) admit they do not take the Highway Code critically enough.

Bryn says: “The Highway Code exists to protect and educate. With nights getting darker and visibility reduced, now is one of the most dangerous times of year to drive. Reviewing the Highway Code regularly can help prevent accidents, avoid fines, and ensure you’re not unfairly blamed if something goes wrong.”

Invest in an additional pair of eyes

The highway security specialist suggests investing in sprint cams, stating: “Dark nights bring reduced visibility and hidden hazards that can increase the risk of accidents. While a dash cam won’t prevent incidents from happening, it provides crucial evidence if you’re involved in an accident that’s out of your control. 

“When dangerous climate and diminished visibility lead to somebody crashing into you or different unavoidable incidents, clear footage can be your best defence in insurance coverage disputes and help set up what actually occurred when visibility was poor.”