Failing to make these four simple car repairs could land you a £2,500 fine and three penalty points
New research has shown that motorists will wait more than a month to fix their damaged vehicle. But heading out onto the road with these faults could prove a costly mistake
DRIVERS are risking hefty fines by failing to get simple repairs done on their motors as soon as they incur the damage, a recent study has found.
Research has shown that a significant number of motorists will leave certain repairs for more than a month to be fixed, which means they are breaking the law by driving a damaged vehicle.
In the conducted by car insurance provider Direct Line, as many as 44 per cent of respondents revealed they would continue to drive a vehicle with damaged bodywork, while 27 per cent said they would drive with a cracked windscreen, and 19 per cent would still take their car on the road with broken wing mirrors.
And as many as one in 10 drivers are taking the road with worn or bald tyres, even after they had identified them as being unsafe.
Damage to your windscreen or wing mirrors in particular pose a serious risk to a driver's ability to see what is happening around them, and puts other road users in danger.
Driving with this sort of damage breaches the Road Traffic Act 1988, which states that a driver can be fined if "the condition of a motor vehicle is such that its use involves a danger of injury to any person".
By breaking this law, drivers are eligible to receive a hefty £2,500 fine and three penalty points on their licence.
Worryingly, the research also revealed that drivers would wait an average 43 days after incurring damage before having it repaired.
As weather changes and we get into the wetter months of autumn, Direct Line offered some pointers to help motorists drive safely, in addition to keeping up with vital repairs.
With a high rate of drivers still using tyres without suitable grip, the company came up with a few strategies to reduce the risk on wet and slippery roads.
Safety tips for driving in wet and slippery conditions
- Stopping distance: When following other vehicles make sure you leave enough room to stop at a safe distance from the other car, and when coming to a stop at junctions.
- Leaves on the road: Both wet and frozen leaves on the road can be very slippery. Avoid them if possible and be aware that potholes may also be hiding beneath a patch of wet leaves.
- Changing weather: Be prepared to drive in all weathers - this time of year it can change from sunshine to a downpour very quickly. Pack your sunglasses and a blanket.
- Black ice: Keep an eye out, as it is difficult to spot on the roads and is extremely slippery.
- Sun glare: Make sure your washer fluid is filled up to clear any water spots on the windscreen; the glare of the sun can make it extremely difficult to see.
- Hydroplaning: Driving fast through standing water can cause hydroplaning. This is when your tyres get more traction on the water rather than on the road itself – as a result your car can slide uncontrollably.
A spokesperson from Direct Line said: "It’s more important than ever to check the condition of your car.
"Things you might be able to get away with in the summer time, when driving conditions tend to be drier, could cause serious problems when the season turns, so it pays to make sure your car is in a road-safe state."
