Simple cold-weather driving mistakes that could cost you £1,000 in fines

DRIVERS have been warned of mistakes made in winter that could cost them a £1,000 fine.

With ice, snow, fog and heavy rain, driving in winter is more difficult and drivers have to pay more attention to the road.

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According to research carried out by Euromasters, 60% of British drivers don’t know the recommended distance in snow or ice.

Shockingly, only 30% know that fog lights should be only used when visibility is reduced.

When it comes to reducing speed when it is snowing or there is ice on the Tarmac, nearly half of Britons (49%) don’t slow down whilst driving in heavy rain.

Its estimated 9% of drivers will have an accident this winter.

Women are more likely to slow down than men; 52% of the females surveyed admitted that when there is snow or ice they usually slow down.

According to the research, only 48% of male drivers would reduce their speed when it is snowing or there is ice.

However, young drivers are least likely to reduce speed when driving in bad weather conditions – only 29%.

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People over 55 years old are more willing to slow down, with 66% of them saying they would decelerate in bad weather conditions.

Euromasters has pointed out the mistakes that most British drivers are not aware of this winter.

Firstly, it is a good idea to keep your air-con on to clear misted windows – driving with misty windows could cost a driver £1,000 fine.

Plus, clearing windows and lights is a legal requirement before setting off. Otherwise, drivers can be slapped with a £60 fine.

National Highways advises you to slow down and keep 10 times the recommended gap between you and the car in front in bad weather.

And drivers should also be aware of using fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced to avoid being pulled over.

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