09 June 2023 , 12:26
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With the UK enjoying a spell of warm weather, many will no doubt be taking to the roads to drive to the beach, to parks or just out to by an ice cream to cool themselves down.
Driving in the sunshine can be glorious, whether you roll the windows down and let the warm air hit your face, or you enjoy some nice, cooling air conditioning while the heatwave rages outside.
Whatever your heatwave driving style is, you could be making some serious mistakes that could land you with a very costly fine, warns a driving expert.
While you might be well aware you shouldn't drive with a phone in your hand or run a red light, but there are other, lesser-known mistakes that could land you a fine.
Wearing flip-flops while driving could land you in trouble (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Julie Daniels of the car insurance team at Compare the Market told The Mirror: "During our recent study, we were surprised to discover how many people are unaware they could be fined for common driving mistakes during the summer months.
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"However, it's so important, no matter the time of year, to practice safe driving habits to not only keep yourself and other road users safe but to also avoid unwanted fines."
Wearing flip-flops while driving
If you're nipping to the beach for a quick dip you might think it's okay to throw on some flip-flops or sliders, but doing so could actually land you a £1,000 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
Julie said: "Over a quarter of motorists (27%) were unaware that they could be fined for driving in flip-flops. As it's easy for them to slide off or fold underneath your foot, you could be breaking Rule 97 of the Highway Code, which states that your footwear cannot prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner.
"So keep a pair of trainers in your vehicle to change into during the summer months to stay safe, and to avoid a £1,000 fine and three penalty points."
Letting your dog stick its head out the window
Dogs shouldn't be allowed to stick their heads out of the window (stock image) (Getty Images)On really hot days it's not so uncommon to see a dog sticking its head out the window to enjoy the cool breeze, but it turns out owners could be breaching the Highway Code by letting them do so.
Julie said: "When driving, it's important not to let your dog stick their head out the window, but 31% of drivers were actually unaware that doing so could find them in breach of Highway Code Rule 97, which could lead to up to nine points on their licence.
"Keep dogs cool by opening the windows, but ensure they are restrained so they stay inside the vehicle, and don't distract you or injure themselves - and if on a road trip, allow for lots of stops and water."
Listening to loud music
Drivers need to stay concentrated (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)When the sun is shining and you're off to somewhere nice to soak up the rays, you're probably in a good mood, and might be celebrating by blaring out some tunes. But be careful if you do, because it could land you an unlimited fine.
Julie warned: "Don't drive while listening to loud music. Although it may be tempting to crank the stereo with the windows down, drivers must ensure they are staying concentrated on the road, and avoid distractions such as loud music.
"37% of drivers were unaware that doing so could land them in trouble, as this could be considered careless and inconsiderate driving, and you could face an unlimited fine and up to nine penalty points."
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