Driving barefoot, eating whilst driving and having open alcohol are all driving myths which have been debunked by a group of experts.
Driving specialists from LeaseVan.co.uk have debunked seven driving myths to ensure Britain’s drivers are both safe and legal.
Despite it being widely believed that it’s illegal to eat behind the wheel, this is only the case if it causes significant distraction, so choosing snacks wisely will help drivers stay safe.
Whilst there are no specific laws regarding footwear when driving, wearing your comfiest shoes to drive is generally recommend, and they should be safe and not slippery.
A spokesperson for LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Driving can sometimes seem like a bit of a minefield when it comes to what you can and can’t do in a vehicle.
“Everyone has their own idea of how to drive properly and myths and misconceptions often spread like wildfire.
“We decided to debunk some of the most common driving myths to ensure everyone knows exactly where they stand when it comes to driving laws.”
These are LeaseVan.co.uk debunked driving myths:
- Insurance depends on car colour
It’s a common misconception that red cars are more expensive to insure, partly due to the thoughts that ‘boy racers’ and more dangerous drivers will opt for a red car. This isn’t true however, with car insurance being based on other much more important information.
- Eating and driving
Eating and driving isn’t illegal but if you’re caught being distracted you could be fined £100. If you plan on going through a drive-through, you must also remember not to pay with your phone if your engine is on, as this is illegal.
- Smoking and driving
You cannot smoke in the car if you’re travelling with children who’re under the age of 18, to protect children from second-hand smoke. You should also be careful that smoking doesn’t cause distraction.
- Driving in bare feet
It’s not illegal to drive in bare feet, contrary to popular belief. Flip-flops and sliders are also not illegal, with the law stating you must be able to operate the controls safely. However, having sturdy footwear means that you have breaking force behind you when you touch the break.
- Having open alcohol in the car
Passengers can drink as much alcohol as they like, providing they don’t cause a major distraction to the driver. You should be aware, however, that breathing in alcohol fumes could actually effect you when it comes to a breathalyser test.
It is illegal to have open alcohol if you are supervising a learner driver.
- You get more petrol when it’s colder
It’s believed that as petrol gets warmer the particles expand so that when you pump the petrol into the car you’re actually getting less than you would if it were cold. This isn’t true, however, as petrol is stored underground meaning it isn’t really affected by warmer air or sunlight.
- Driving round a roundabout
Many people believe that driving around a roundabout more than three times is illegal. There is nothing in the law that states this, so you can’t be in the wrong, other than if it’s deemed as careless driving. Approach roundabouts slowly to ensure you know where you’re going.