Motorists are often bombarded with advice on how to stay safe on the roads, but not all of it is accurate. In fact, some common misconceptions can lead to unsafe driving habits or even legal trouble.
From speed limits to sipping alcohol-free beer behind the wheel, it’s high time we separated fact from fiction. That’s where experts at The AA come in, debunking 10 prevalent driving myths and providing valuable information to help drivers stay safe and informed on the road.
The AA experts debunk 10 popular driving myths
Driving 10% over the speed limit without breaking the law
It’s a myth that you can legally drive 10% over the speed limit. While some police may allow for speedometer inaccuracies, enforcement varies.
The National Police Chief’s Council suggests ticketing only when exceeding the limit by 10% plus 2mph (e. g driving 35 mph on a road with a 30 mph limit), but this isn’t guaranteed. Best advice: stick to the limit.
Drinking alcohol as a passenger in a car
It’s legal to drink alcohol as a passenger, but not always advisable. Passengers can aid safer driving.
If supervising a learner driver, you must stay sober and avoid using your phone. You absolutely can’t drink alcohol while driving, as even one drink could put you over the legal drink-driving limit.
Drinking alcohol-free beer while driving
While it’s not against the law to drink non-alcoholic beer while driving in the UK, if it looks like an alcoholic beverage, you could still be pulled over by the police. To avoid any confusion and potential delays, it’s advisable to wait until after your journey to enjoy your drink.
Sucking a penny will fool a breathalyser
There’s a myth that sucking on a penny can trick a breathalyser, but this is both false and illegal to attempt. Likewise, chewing garlic, citrus, or mints won’t help either. The message is clear: don’t drink and drive.
Eating while driving
Although there’s no specific law prohibiting eating while driving, it can lead to charges of careless driving if it distracts you. This carries a maximum penalty of £5,000, three to nine points on your licence and a discretionary driving disqualification.
For safety reasons, it’s best to eat when stationary, particularly in adverse weather conditions where stopping distances are longer.
Smoking while driving
Smoking while driving is illegal in private vehicles carrying anyone under 18 or in company vehicles. If you occasionally use a private car for business purposes, smoking is permitted.
However, smoking can still be a distraction and potentially lead to a charge of careless driving.
Driving with snow on your car
While it’s not against the law to drive with snow on your car in the UK, the Highway Code stipulates that you must have clear visibility out of every window of your vehicle. If snow on your windows is reducing your visibility, this could be considered dangerous driving, which is certainly illegal.
You should also remove any snow from the roof, as it can slide over your windows and obstruct your view, or fly off and hit another road user.
Driving with the interior lights on
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no law prohibiting driving with interior lights on. However, at night, it can cause distractions or impair vision.
If it’s deemed a factor in careless driving, you could face a charge.
Driving around a roundabout three times
Missing your exit on a roundabout isn’t illegal either. However, it’s crucial to plan your route to avoid unnecessary circling, which could be perceived as careless driving.
If you miss it, don’t worry – just take it the next time after safely navigating around the roundabout again.
Having lower tyre pressure during winter
The idea of lowering tyre pressure in winter for better traction is a myth. In fact, it can actually increase stopping distances, cause more skidding, and reduce fuel efficiency.
Instead, ensure your tyres are at the recommended pressure for safer winter driving.
A representative from The AA highlighted the dangers of misinformation, saying: “Many drivers unknowingly believe in these myths, which can lead to unsafe habits or even legal trouble. It’s essential to know the facts-whether it’s sticking to speed limits or avoiding distractions like eating while driving. Staying informed helps keep everyone safer on the road.”