Ten per cent of motorists admit they lack confidence in their ability to drive in wet or icy conditions, as temperatures plummet across the country.
A survey of 2,000 motorists found 35 per cent admitted driving with their windscreen misted or iced up over the past 12 months – an offence that carries a £60 fine and three penalty points.
It also emerged more than a fifth have risked cracking the windscreen by de-icing it with hot water.
While a quarter have driven with snow on the roof, which could potentially cover the windscreen after braking.
The survey of 2,000 motorists was carried out by Halfords Autocentres as Britain’s unpredictable weather continues to cause chaos on the roads.
(Image: SWNS)
Aaron Edwards, from Halfords Autocentres, said: “A lot of the UK has had a mild and wet winter so far but with cold weather on the way, we strongly advise motorists to take precautions to keep themselves and their passengers safe.
“It’s imperative people ensure their windscreen is fully cleared before setting off, not only is it a legal requirement to be able to have a clear view of the road, it is vital for the safety of all road users.”
A quarter put their car at high risk of theft by leaving the engine running and popping back inside while the windscreen clears.
(Image: SWNS)
(Image: SWNS)
A fifth have reversed their car despite having zero rear visibility, while 14 per cent have risked mechanical damage by over-revving a cold engine.
But more than a quarter of the motorists polled have not carried out basic checks on their car over the past month because of the bad weather.
Worryingly, 55 per cent haven’t looked at their tyre tread over the past month while half haven’t checked their tyres’ inflation.
(Image: SWNS)
(Image: SWNS)
This is despite tyres making up 58 per cent of all ‘dangerous defects’ recorded in the latest MOT results from the DVSA.
Halfords is offering a free winter check in its shops and Autocentres to motorists who want peace of mind about their car’s roadworthiness.
Separate research by OnePoll for Halfords revealed nine per cent of motorists have driven around with faulty wiper blades over the past 12 months, while eight per cent have knowingly carried on driving with a broken brake light.
(Image: Halfords Autocentres / SWNS)
The survey also showed how many motorists aren’t keeping many key items in their car in the event of a winter driving emergency.
Just 27 per cent store a blanket in their car and 33 per cent keep a torch.
Only 35 per cent have a first aid kit while 36 per cent have a mobile phone charger.
- For more information on Halfords Autocentres’ free winter car check and driving advice for bad weather, visit the Halfords website .
