Drivers at risk of £1,000 fine in hot weather as hundreds ‘struggle’

UK Weather: Met Office forecast sunshine

Hundreds of drivers are at risk of being issued £1,000 fines as hot weather blazes across the UK this week.

A new poll from Vanarama shows motorists across the UK have found it difficult to see in warm weather due to bright sunshine.

Getting dazzled is not only a serious road safety concern but is mentioned in the Highway Code.

Rule 237 of the Code states drivers should slow down or stop if they are unable to properly see because of bright sunlight.

Failure to follow the guidance could see road users issued a £1,000 and three penalty points.

READ MORE Hot weather could cause £2,400 damage to your car this week

A staggering 37 percent of the 1,000 drivers polled admit they have “struggled to drive due to sun brightness”.

The data reveals those above the age of 55 are most at risk with 42 percent admitting they have had issues in the past.

Andy Alderson, CEO and Founder of Vanarama has urged motorists to take a series of simple precautions to avoid being caught out.

He explained: “To prevent being dazzled by the sun when driving, motorists should wear polarised sunglasses and keep a safe distance from other drivers when the sun is distorting their view.

“Creating space between you and the car in front will give you more time to assess the road situation. If drivers feel like they do not have full control of the situation, they should pull over when safe to do so.

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“You must also keep your windscreen clean in the summer months. A dirty windscreen can magnify the sun’s glare making it harder to see the road.

“Before heading out on car journeys in the sun, you should clean both the interior and exterior of the car windscreen, checking that they are free of any dirt and debris.”

The warning comes as temperatures rise across the UK amid a mini-heatwave. According to the Met Office, London could hit 30C this week with Wednesday and Thursday expected to be the hottest days.

Temperatures could soar as high as 32C in the south meaning this week could see the UK’s hottest day of the year.

The AA has also warned drivers about the risk of glare and suggested a simple solution.

They commented: “Blinding glare can be potentially lethal when you’re driving – particularly at speed. You can be dazzled by low sun or by bright light reflecting off snow, puddles, the car in front, or even your own bonnet.”

“Glare is frequently blamed as the cause of road traffic accidents, but the right pair of sunglasses can prevent it.”

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