Latest news with #HighwayCode
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers warned over little-known air-con rule which everyone must follow
Following this often-overlooked driving rule can make a significant difference for Brits - and could even help to reduce the risk of accidents during the scorching summer months Motorists have been issued a fresh reminder about the rules related to using air conditioning in their motors during the summer months. As temperatures rise and heatwaves increase in intensity and frequency across the UK, drivers should heed an important yet often overlooked rule in the Highway Code related to vehicle ventilation. With temperatures expected to reach well over 30C in June 2025, motorists must be extra vigilant in regards to how they keep their cars cool and safe. Many people instinctively turn on the air conditioning or wind down their windows to stay comfortable during hot weather, but did you know that the Highway Code explicitly advises drivers to keep their vehicles well ventilated to prevent drowsiness? This rule is particularly relevant during heatwaves, when the interior of a car can become dangerously hot and stuffy — increasing the risk of fatigue behind the wheel, which can lead to accidents. The Highway Code specifically states: "Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking." This advice is crucial because a lack of fresh air inside the vehicle can make drivers sleepy and therefore less alert, significantly increasing the chances of an accident. A spokesperson for online driving instructor marketplace EzLicence, Joe Parry, emphasised the importance of taking precautions. He said: "The warmer weather is bound to heat our cars' interior. However, few realise that Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that vehicles must be ventilated in the heat to avoid drowsiness. So, keeping the window open when possible or using the air conditioning is essential, especially if you're sitting in traffic." But ventilation isn't the only aspect of driving during a heatwave the Highway Code addresses: "If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop." Bright sun glare can seriously impair vision, at least temporarily, further reducing your ability to react quickly, which makes it vitally important to take precautions such as wearing sunglasses and sun visors, or even pulling over when visibility is severely impaired. With the extremely hot weather conditions, Brits are also being advised to remove a number of everyday items from their cars. On a day when the temperature outside is 30°C, the interior of a vehicle can reach around 50°C within half an hour. The rapid temperature rise is caused by the greenhouse effect — where sunlight passes through the glass windows and heats the interior surfaces, but the heat cannot escape easily, causing the inside temperature to soar well above the outside temperature. For example, lighters left in direct sunlight can explode, sometimes resulting in fires that damage the car's interior, crack windshields, melt dashboard components or worse — cause injury. Find the full list of items to remove from your car here. With heatwave conditions highly likely to persist, and even increase in the coming years due to climate change, drivers should take this advice seriously. Ensuring good ventilation inside the car not only improves comfort — it enhances safety by helping to keep drivers alert and focused on the road. Whether by cracking a window or turning on the air conditioning, following this little-known rule can make a significant difference in preventing heat-related fatigue and reducing the risk of crashes during the scorching summer months.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Welsh roundabout some drivers are choosing to avoid completely
Welsh roundabout some drivers are choosing to avoid completely It has long confused drivers with many flummoxed as to what lane they are meant to be in The busy Ynysforgan roundabout in Swansea (Image: Robert Melen ) It is a roundabout which notoriously leaves drivers confused as to which lane they are meant to be in or which exit to take. Swansea's Ynysforgan roundabout has long left drivers confused and some have even attempted to avoid it completely. One driver told WalesOnline they only drive around it if they need to, choosing to go all the way around Ystradgynlais and through Pontardawe instead. 'My foot is constantly hovering over the brake while I'm driving on it and I'm constantly looking over my shoulder because I'm so paranoid somebody is going to hit me," she said. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here. In 2023 we reported how two Welsh sisters went viral due to their exasperation at tackling the roundabout thanks to a passenger in the back of the car capturing their hilarious squabble and uploading it to TikTok. You can read more about that here. The Highway Code has clear answers for anyone who is still unsure on the rules concerning roundabouts. When taking the first exit to the left it states that unless signs or markings indicate otherwise you should signal left and approach in the left-hand lane and keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave. When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should signal right and approach in the right-hand lane, keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout, and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want. Article continues below But here's where it gets confusing. What if you're driving straight through, taking what is known as an intermediate exit? In other words what about if the exit is positioned at 12 o'clock when you approach it? Here's where we get some road rage, particularly from people who still think you should be in the right-hand lane. If that's you then sadly you are wrong. When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout. You should not normally need to signal on approach. You should stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout and you should signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want. The code states that when there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout you should use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it. In other words the law says to use some common sense. For mini roundabouts it says you should approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts and all vehicles must pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. It says to avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. The Highway Code adds: "When reaching the roundabout you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights, check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. "If so proceed but still look to the right before joining, watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all and look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off. "You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic. "Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout. "Cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout. Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane who are continuing around the roundabout. "In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads, traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit, traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly, motorcyclists, long vehicles (including those towing trailers). Article continues below "These might have to take a different course or straddle lanes either approaching or on the roundabout because of their length. Watch out for their signals." Get Swansea news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Every driver in Britain warned of £5K fine THIS WEEKEND over common mistake – how to avoid penalty
Drivers could also face points on their license for the error BRAKES ON Every driver in Britain warned of £5K fine THIS WEEKEND over common mistake – how to avoid penalty BRITS are being warned that a simple driving mistake could cost them £5,000 over the weekend. The warning comes as the UK braces for a massive heatwave beginning today. Advertisement 3 An urgent warning has gone out to drivers ahead of the weekend Credit: Alamy 3 Wearing sandals whilst driving the car could lead to a hefty fine Credit: Getty 3 The news comes as the UK braces for a heatwave Credit: Alamy The Highway Code has determined what is appropriate on our roads, ever since it was first published in 1931. Rule 97 of the code states that motorists must be adequately prepared for their upcoming drive. This includes being dressed appropriately. In the summer months, millions of Brits swap their trainers for flip-flops but this could lead to you getting fined. Advertisement Any shoe which could limit your ability to put pressure on the pedals breaks the code and leaves you liable for a hefty fine. If you are found to be 'driving without due care and attention', you face an on-the-spot £100 fine. Three points could also be added to your license. If the matter escalates to court, you could face fines of up to £5000. Advertisement Speaking to the Express, John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco said: "It's easy to overlook how your choice of clothing or footwear can affect your driving, especially in hot weather, but even something as simple as a pair of flip-flops or a long skirt can reduce your control of a vehicle. "If this leads to an accident or you're stopped by police, you could face serious consequences. The Secret Behind Green Road Signs 🚦 'So we're urging all drivers to think practically before getting behind the wheel this spring and summer - your outfit shouldn't compromise your safety or anyone else's." The news comes after temperatures are set to soar over the week. Advertisement The country is bracing for highs of 29C today, with the East of England likely facing the hottest temperatures. In some areas, meteorologists have forecast highs of 33C and have said the heatwave will continue through to the end of the week. A heatwave is when temperatures exceed thresholds in a certain area for over three days. Across the north and west of the UK, this is 25C and in the Home Counties and London it is 28C. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Every driver in Britain warned of £5K fine THIS WEEKEND over common mistake – how to avoid penalty
BRITS are being warned that a simple driving mistake could cost them £5,000 over the weekend. The warning comes as the UK braces for a Advertisement 3 An urgent warning has gone out to drivers ahead of the weekend Credit: Alamy 3 Wearing sandals whilst driving the car could lead to a hefty fine Credit: Getty 3 The news comes as the UK braces for a heatwave Credit: Alamy The Rule 97 of This includes being dressed appropriately. In the summer months, millions of Brits swap their trainers for Advertisement Read More on UK News Any If you are found to be 'driving without due care and attention', you face an on-the-spot £100 fine. Three points could also be added to your license. If the matter escalates to court, you could face fines of up to £5000. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Warning Speaking to the Express, John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco said: "It's easy to overlook how your choice of clothing or footwear can affect your driving, especially in hot weather, but even something as simple as a pair of flip-flops or a long skirt can reduce your control of a vehicle. "If this leads to an accident or you're stopped by police, you could face serious consequences. The Secret Behind Green Road Signs 🚦 'So we're urging all drivers to think practically before getting behind the wheel this spring and summer - your outfit shouldn't compromise your safety or anyone else's." The news comes after Advertisement The country is bracing for highs of 29C today, with the East of England likely facing the hottest temperatures. In some areas, meteorologists have forecast highs of 33C and have said the heatwave will continue through to the end of the week. A heatwave is when temperatures exceed thresholds in a certain area for over three days. Across the north and west of the UK, this is 25C and in the Home Counties and London it is 28C. Advertisement Wearing flip-flops in cars Wearing flip-flops in the car isn't technically illegal, but it still could lead to you being fined. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that you must be adequately prepared to drive. This includes having enough petrol and wearing appropriate clothes. Wearing flip-flops can count as being inadequately prepared since it could interfere with your ability to use the pedals. That could lead to a £100 fine and 3 points on your license. If the case escalates to court, then the fine could rise to £5000.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Every driver in Britain warned of £5K fine THIS WEEKEND over common mistake – how to avoid penalty
BRITS are being warned that a simple driving mistake could cost them £5,000 over the weekend. The warning comes as the UK braces for a massive heatwave beginning today. 3 3 3 The Highway Code has determined what is appropriate on our roads, ever since it was first published in 1931. Rule 97 of the code states that motorists must be adequately prepared for their upcoming drive. This includes being dressed appropriately. In the summer months, millions of Brits swap their trainers for flip-flops but this could lead to you getting fined. Any shoe which could limit your ability to put pressure on the pedals breaks the code and leaves you liable for a hefty fine. If you are found to be 'driving without due care and attention', you face an on-the-spot £100 fine. Three points could also be added to your license. If the matter escalates to court, you could face fines of up to £5000. Speaking to the Express, John Wilmot, CEO and founder of LeaseLoco said: "It's easy to overlook how your choice of clothing or footwear can affect your driving, especially in hot weather, but even something as simple as a pair of flip-flops or a long skirt can reduce your control of a vehicle. "If this leads to an accident or you're stopped by police, you could face serious consequences. The Secret Behind Green Road Signs 🚦 'So we're urging all drivers to think practically before getting behind the wheel this spring and summer - your outfit shouldn't compromise your safety or anyone else's." The news comes after temperatures are set to soar over the week. The country is bracing for highs of 29C today, with the East of England likely facing the hottest temperatures. In some areas, meteorologists have forecast highs of 33C and have said the heatwave will continue through to the end of the week. A heatwave is when temperatures exceed thresholds in a certain area for over three days. Across the north and west of the UK, this is 25C and in the Home Counties and London it is 28C. Wearing flip-flops in cars Wearing flip-flops in the car isn't technically illegal, but it still could lead to you being fined. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that you must be adequately prepared to drive. This includes having enough petrol and wearing appropriate clothes. Wearing flip-flops can count as being inadequately prepared since it could interfere with your ability to use the pedals. That could lead to a £100 fine and 3 points on your license. If the case escalates to court, then the fine could rise to £5000.
