Roads are expected to be exceptionally busy today with an estimated 20 million people getting out and about over the Bank Holiday. If you’re one of these millions, then it’s important to be aware that roads could be more congested, and the risk of mistakes on the road are higher. To stay safe this August Bank Holiday the director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts Keith Hawes is revealing five lesser known Highway Code laws that you could run foul of without even realising it.
Some of these laws carry heavy penalties – a simple mistake could end up costing you up to £5,000. He said: “With roads expected to be especially busy this August Bank Holiday, and many travellers switching to cars due to rail disruption, it’s more important than ever that drivers prepare properly before setting off.”
The first thing that Keith is warning motorists to be aware of is the risk of driving while tired. This carries an unlimited fine, as it is estimated to contribute to around 10 to 20% of all crashes.
Rule 91 of the Highway Code states you must “not begin a journey if you are tired” and should ensure you get “sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey”.
If you are found to have driven while tired and caused an accident, it falls under the umbrella of dangerous driving, and if convicted, you can face an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and, in the most serious cases, up to 14 years in prison.
The second priciest mistake you can make is driving with a pet unsecured in your car. This can result in a hefty fine of up to £5,000. Rule 57 of the highway code requires pets to be safely restrained so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or others during an emergency stop.
Make sure you check the Government website to find out which method of animal restraint is best for your pet.
When you’re going away for the weekend it can be hard to avoid overpacking – but one good reason to be cautious with how you load the car is that it could end up costing you up to £300.
Exceeding your car’s recommended load capacity can make the vehicle more difficult to control, increase fuel consumption, and place strain on the tires and suspension, potentially increasing the likelihood of an accident.
According to Rule 98 of the Highway Code, you must not exceed this limit and if you are found to have done so it can cost you a fine of £300 and three penalty points. If you cause an accident because of it, it might even invalidate your insurance.
Hawes said: “Simple oversights such as driving whilst tired, failing to secure pets or overloading the vehicle can lead to costly penalties and, more importantly, put lives at risk. Plan your journey in advance, take regular breaks and make sure everything in your vehicle is safe and secure before travelling.”