Connor Campbell, expert at Independent Advisor Car Insurance, offers driving safety tips amid spike in fatal accidents during summer
1. Hanging large dices or air freshener in front of rear mirror
While they may seem harmless, hanging large objects such as fluffy dice, air fresheners, football flags, or baby shoes from your rear-view mirror can be risky business. These decorations can block your view of the road and other vehicles, which insurance companies view as distractions impacting your reaction time. This could potentially axe your car insurance and leave you high and dry without coverage when you need to make a claim in case of an accident. Remember to always keep your field of vision clear and free from obstacles to steer clear of insurance woes.
2. Pets on the loose
78% of pet owners are driving and flying together with their four-legged pals more than ever. However, leaving your furry friend unrestrained inside the car - whether they're lounging in the back seat, passenger seat, chilling in the footwell or snoozing in the boot - can cost you up to a whopping £5,000 in fines, and void your insurance coverage. Keep your pets safe and legal this summer by securing them in a dog crate or seatbelt harness to avoid any bumps in the road with your insurer.
3. Driving in flip flops or sandals
Many will be ditching socks and trainers for flip flops and sandals, or even go barefoot as the weather heats up. While not illegal, you are putting yourself at high risk of violating Rule 97 of the Highway Code, resulting in a charge of “driving without due care and attention”.
Even worse, insurers might see this as negligent behaviour, potentially voiding your policy since flip flops can easily slip off your feet or get caught under the pedals, compromising your control of the vehicle. To keep yourself out of hot waters, opt for flat, thin-soled shoes for better pedal feel and a firmer grip while cruising the roads this summer.
4. Leaving car windows and doors open
It’s tempting to crack open the car windows or leave the doors unlocked to let in some fresh air when it's sizzling. However, this makes your car an easy target for theft and your insurance might refuse to pay out if your car is stolen. Moreover, avoid leaving your car keys in plain sight when your vehicle is unattended. Insurers view this as a sign that you’re not properly safeguarding your car, which could jeopardise your coverage. Get into the habit of locking your doors and windows every time you leave the car, and always keep your keys securely out of sight to enjoy a trouble-free summer.
5. Ignoring car maintenance
Nearly half of Brits (49%) put off vehicle repairs due to rising cost of living. Heatwaves can strain your car, contributing to more breakdowns due to overheating. Hence, neglecting proper car maintenance before embarking on your summer getaway can spell trouble. Essential maintenance tasks such as oil changes, brake and tyre inspections, coolant level checks, and ensuring your air conditioning functions properly are vital to prevent engine failures when you're on the road. If it’s found that your negligence in maintenance caused the accident, your insurance claim could be denied.
6. Overloading your car
It’s tempting to load up your car for a picnic or a weekend road trip, but squeezing in too much can risk not only your safety, but also insurance coverage. Carrying more weight than your car’s capacity makes steering more difficult to control and can lead to bulging tyres prone to blowouts. Overstuffing the back seat can also obstruct your rear vision, potentially leading insurers to void your policy if collision occurs. Always check and adhere to your vehicle’s weight limits and distribute luggage evenly to avoid insurance pitfalls.
7. Lending your car to family and friends
Requests from close friends or family to borrow your car can be quite common but even short trips can pose problems if there's an accident or they get pulled over by the police. Unless they are listed as a named driver on your policy, your car won't be covered for collisions - even if they have the "driving other cars" extension which only covers third-party damages, not your own vehicle. Also, refrain from using your car to offer paid lifts during the summer holidays. That few extra bucks you make could see you slapped with fines up to £2,500, as it might be considered running an unlicensed taxi service.
Connor Campbell, an expert at Independent Advisor Car Insurance, offered guidance for a smooth-sailing summer drive this year: “The significant uptick in traffic density during summer inevitably raises the risk of accidents. Congested roads, scorching temperatures, and heightened frustrations behind the wheel can lead to impulsive driving behaviour that endanger both yourself and other road users.
The extreme heat also puts extra stresses on vehicle components, increasing the likelihood of malfunctions. If you’ve been postponing necessary car maintenance and repairs, now is the time when these delays could prove costly. Prioritising regular maintenance checks before setting off on long journeys is crucial to reduce the risk of breakdowns and minimise potential insurance complications in case of an accident.
Keep in mind that with more young and relatively inexperienced drivers being on the road, staying vigilant is crucial this summer. Maintaining a well-equipped vehicle and adhering to road rules further helps mitigate risks and ensure your insurance coverage remains valid when you need it most.”
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