Motorists are being warned of snow and ice chaos as the UK experiences a cold snap, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow across Scotland, parts of Northern England, the Midlands, and Northern Ireland, in place from 10am Thursday until Friday morning.
Car Lease Special Offers have highlighted five common winter driving mistakes that could lead to hefty fines. One such mistake is wearing unsuitable footwear, such as thick snow boots, while driving. Highway Code 97 states that clothing and footwear must not prevent proper control of the vehicle. Offenders risk a £100 fine and penalty points for driving without due care and attention.
Another costly error is failing to clear snow from your registration plate. Police use the plate to check tax, insurance, and MOT status, and covering it can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Additionally, low tyre pressure is more common in cold weather and can lead to a £10,000 fine and 12 points on your licence for dangerous driving.
Drivers are also urged to adjust their driving to icy conditions, leaving extra distance and reducing speed. The two-second rule should be doubled in wet conditions and increased further in icy weather. Finally, splashing pedestrians while driving through slush or puddles can incur a £100 fine or up to £5,000 if taken to court.
Will Bullen of Car Lease Special Offers advised: 'You should be checking your tyre pressure regularly, but we recommend checking more frequently in colder weather as tyres lose pressure more quickly.' Motorists are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid these penalties during the winter snap.
