Are you confused over what constitutes legal and illegal behaviour behind the wheel? Well, don’t worry, as you are not alone according to a survey by YouGov commissioned by Swinton.
Over three quarters of drivers think it’s perfectly legal to change a CD, hold a partner’s hand or light a cigarette when driving whereas nearly two thirds of people think it’s illegal to apply lipstick when behind the wheel.
The population is split over whether it’s legal to eat a sandwich at the wheel or not, with 51% of the 2,400 drivers questioned considering this as illegal behaviour.
The truth is that any of these could be considered illegal in the eyes of the law if the driver is deemed not to be in full control of the vehicle.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that, ‘If a person drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, he is guilty of an offence.’
Punishments for careless and inconsiderate driving can include a maximum fine of £2,500, up to nine points on your licence or disqualification.
Luckily help will be at hand as the Driving Standards Authority proposes 30 new rules to add to the new edition of the Highway Code - including smoking at the wheel. Breaking these rules can result in drivers being handed a fixed penalty of up to £60, at the discretion of the police. Who?
This may appear to be Big Brother, but I do so hope it will include the scratching of bodily parts in a traffic jam!
FemaleFirst Jackie Violet