Traffic File

Drivers are being warned they could face a huge fine if they drink water behind the wheel. It comes as the summer heat is set to scorch the country in the coming week.

Plenty of people taking advantage of the hot weather with a day out with many wanting to get out for the day to enjoy the sun – whether it’s a short jaunt to the beach or a staycation further afield.

However, drivers have been urged to be aware of certain Highway Code rules that they might even not know they’re breaking, in order to avoid getting slapped with a fine or penalty points.

Some fines can go up to £1,000 – some can even be unlimited, reports the Mirror.

The car leasing company Vanarama has highlighted a few things drivers will need to be aware of when driving in the hot weather this summer.

Driving when there’s sun glare

Bright sunlight can cause a strong glare across a car’s windshield which can distort a driver’s view of the road which can be incredibly dangerous.

According to a survey conducted by Vanarama of 1,000 drivers, almost two-fifths (37%) admitted to struggling to drive due to sun brightness in the past.

Rule 237 of the Highway Code says if you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.

If you cause an accident, you could face a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence for failure to have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.

Andy Alderson, CEO, and founder of Vanarama said: “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.”

Andy also advised keeping your windscreen clean over the summer months as a dirty windscreen can magnify the sun’s glare.

He added: “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.”

Drinking water at the wheel

You should always try and stay hydrated when you are driving, particularly long distances, as dehydration can cause you headaches and dizziness which can be dangerous.

While eating and drinking non-alcoholic drinks are not technically illegal things to do while driving, it can still land you with a fine and points on your license.

If you are deemed to be “driving without due care or attention” because your focus was on your water bottle you could face a £100 fine and up to three penalty points on your licence.

If you were to cause injury it could be nine points, a fine of up to £5,000 and potentially even a court-imposed driving ban

Driving with hay fever

Driving whilst suffering from hay fever could also land you in hot water as you may not be able to operate your vehicle due to eye irritation, coughing or sneezing.

If these symptoms result in your failing to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead you could again face a £1,000 fine and three points.

You should also know that taking allergy tablets to tackle the symptoms may not be the best way to go.

Some hayfever medications, such as chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine and promethazine, are known to cause drowsiness as a side effect.

These older antihistamines can make you feel sleepy and even land you with a drug driving charge.

This could give you a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a criminal record.

Andy said: “The advice is ‘always read the label’, and this should always be the case before your drive after taking medication.

“If you are unsure you should speak to a medical professional to get advice before stepping in the car.”