Driving Myths: Separating Fact From Fiction
There are a lot of myths surrounding driving. But which are true and which are false? Here’s what you need to know…
It’s Illegal to Eat Behind the Wheel – False
You might have heard that it’s illegal to eat whilst behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Fortunately for time-poor motorists, this is simply a myth. There’s no law preventing you from tucking into a sandwich from behind the wheel. However, a police officer could stop you if they thought it was causing you to drive carelessly. Indeed, should you wind up in an accident it could be classified as negligent driving.
It’s Illegal to Pay With a Phone at a Drive-Thru – True
Lots of people find making payments via apps on their phones easier than relying on cards or cash. It’s quick and seamless, after all. Unfortunately, using the method at a drive-thru is illegal. Why? Because rules concerning mobile phone-use state that even handling them whilst in a vehicle is now an offence. Whilst you’re unlikely to be caught, you’ll get a £1,000 fine if you are.
It’s Illegal to Drive Barefoot – False
Some people insist that it’s the law that drivers must wear certain forms of footwear whilst behind the wheel. This is just another myth. There’s no law stopping you from driving barefoot, in socks or in flip flops. Nevertheless, we’d advice you not to – you won’t have as much control over the pedals as you would in more appropriate shoes.
You can be Fined for Splashing Pedestrians – True
If you’ve ever splashed a pedestrian whilst in, or shortly after, rain you’ve actually broken the law. It’s classed as ‘driving without reasonable consideration for other persons’. If you’re caught, you’ll be handed three penalty points and a fine anywhere between £100 to £5,000.
You can Drive 10% over a Speed Limit – True and False
Most drivers have heard of the ‘10% rule’, but is it true? It’s the idea that drivers can safely break a speed limit by up to 10% whilst avoiding trouble with the law. The answer, quite simply, is that it’s true and false. Police forces operate under guidelines suggesting that they give drivers some flexibility. It suggests they abide by the ’10 + 2′ rule – meaning drivers can be let off for driving at 35 in a 30 or 46 in a 40. However, the guideline is just that, a guideline. Police can use it at their own discretion…Or not.
Moving for an Ambulance can Lead to a Fine – True
When we hear sirens whilst driving, our natural instinct is to pull over and let the cause pass. The need naturally feels stronger when the vehicle in question is an ambulance. Unfortunately, moving out of the way of an ambulance can actually land you with a fine or worse. You should never pull over if it means entering a bus lane, going passed a red light or entering a yellow box junction.
Want To Reduce Your Motoring Costs? Change Your Driving Styles – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/want-to-reduce-your-motoring-costs-change-your-driving-styles/
New Research Suggests EVs Are More Likely To Fail MOTs – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/new-research-suggests-evs-are-more-likely-to-fail-mots/
