Millions of Britons are at risk of making car mistakes that could lead to massive fines when clearing frost and ice from their windscreens.
Temperatures around the UK are plummeting with multiple parts of the country at risk of being hit with ice and ice.
Some people in rural Scotland and Wales could experience temperatures as low as -9C as some experts forecast that the cold weather snap could last weeks.
With the majority of Britons back behind the wheel going to work or school, they could face extra hurdles in the morning by needing to clear snow and ice.
Drivers could be fined for not clearing their windscreens
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New research has found that more than a quarter of Britons admit to leaving their engine running and car unattended to de-ice screens.
Older generations were found to be more likely to take the risk, with 41 per cent of those aged over 75 years old likely to take the risk.
Similarly, more than a third of those aged between 65 and 74 leave their cars idling, compared to just 17 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds.
Rule 123 of the Highway Code instructs drivers to avoid leaving their parked vehicle unattended with the engine running unnecessarily and advises them to turn the vehicle off if it is likely to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes.
This can also land them in hot water with the law under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
A number of councils can issue fines to drivers if they are found to be breaking idling laws, including in London and more recently Brighton.
Drivers could also be putting themselves at risk of invalidating their car insurance policies, with 45 per cent of people saying they drive without making sure their screens and mirrors are properly clear.
The Highway Code also highlights how motorists must be able to see so all snow and ice on windows must be cleared.
Martin Smith, motor claims manager at Aviva, said: “All drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and this means making sure all windscreens and mirrors are clear of any snow, leaves, debris, ice and dirt.
“While we all want to get to our next destination as quickly as possible, it pays to be safe, particularly as the risk of an accident typically increases during the winter months.
“Spending five or ten minutes to prepare your car means that not only are you more likely to avoid an accident, but also a hefty fine - which can be as much as £1,000 - points on your licence or even a driving ban in the worst case scenario.”
If someone cannot properly see out of their windscreens because of frost, they could be accused of driving without due car or attention, or for dangerous driving, especially in the case of an accident.
He also urged drivers to make sure that if their engine is running to clear any frost or ice, they should remain in their vehicle at all times.
Other common driving habits that could catch motorists out include wearing inappropriate footwear or pouring boiling water over a car windscreen.
With some people needing to drive through potentially dangerous conditions, motorists are urged to take care when on the roads by using their headlights instead of daytime lights when driving through heavy snow or even heavy rain.
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Cold temperatures are set to continue over the coming weeks
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Motorists should also be particularly careful of roads in shaded areas, which can be covered by trees or buildings.
These areas can often contain black ice as sunlight cannot reach them, potentially causing hazardous situations and even leading to crashes.
