CAR INSURANCE policies can be invalidated if motorists forget to open a window or turn on their air conditioning in warm weather, according to experts.
Car insurance policies could be cancelled by insurers if road users are caught driving without due care and attention. Driving in warm weather can make road users tired and drowsy which could put them at higher risk of suffering a collision.
Experts warn drivers who cause an accident while they are drowsy could even risk facing a jail sentence.
Although there are no strict rules on using air conditioning or opening your windows, the Highway Code does say cars must be kept well ventilated.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Moneyshake CEO, Eben Lovatt said overheating vehicles is a “serious problems for summer travel”.
He warned hot conditions can make road users “feel sluggish” behind the wheel which could lead to accidents.
He revealed the easiest solution to keep a car ventilated was to simply turn on the air conditioning or opening a window.
Mr Lovatt said: “Driving in hot weather can make you tired and with thousands of crashes caused by drowsy driving each year, it’s a serious problem for summer travel.
“Your body uses energy to stay cool, which can make you feel sluggish at the wheel.
“And if you cause an accident from drowsy driving, you could even risk prison time.
“To avoid this, the Highway Code says you need to keep your vehicle well
ventilated.
“The simplest solution to avoid overheating when driving is to turn on your AC or open the window. Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you on summer journeys, too.”
Motorists who become distracted behind the wheel could be issued a £200 on the spot fine and up to three penalty points on their driving licence.
However, in some extreme cases, motorists could risk fines as high as £2,500.
If the extreme heart is massively affecting your driving and which may put others at risk, road users could face a charge of dangerous driving.
This could see motorists hit with a £5,000 fine and up to nine penalty points on their driving licence.
A temporary driving ban could also be issued in some extreme circumstances.
A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental said: “If a vehicle doesn’t have air conditioning it can become unbearable on a hot day leaving driver and passengers feeling dehydrated and irritable – especially if traffic jams are involved.
“Travelling like this for long periods can even be dangerous, but drivers can take some simple steps to make themselves and their passengers more comfortable.”
Experts also urge drivers to place a wet cloth over the middle vent of the dashboard which will help cool the air that blows through.
A simple piece of fabric can be placed over the steering wheel and dashboard to keep it cool in hot weather and prevent cracking.
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Source: Express.co.uk
