New research shows that British motorists are risking their personal safety and causing costly damage to their vehicles by failing to take the correct measures to clear their car windscreens of frost and ice before setting off on a journey.
- Impatience and lack of knowledge causing dangerous driving conditions
New research1 shows that British motorists are risking their personal safety and causing costly damage to their vehicles by failing to take the correct measures to clear their car windscreens of frost and ice before setting off on a journey.
The research by RAC Auto Windscreens reveals that 42% of drivers confess that impatience means they regularly set off on a journey without having defrosted their windscreens thoroughly.
The survey also reveals that icy windscreens are playing havoc with morning schedules causing over a quarter (26%) of commuters delays of up to 20 minutes on their car journeys to work each morning.
Many motorists mistakenly use methods that can result in cracked windscreens and broken wipers:
- Nearly a third (29%) of drivers pour hot water on to the windscreen to de-ice it
- Over a quarter (27%) of motorists have used a credit card to scrape ice off the windscreen
- 43% of car-owners have used their wipers to remove ice or snow from the windscreen.
Furthermore, with as many as 54% of motorists admitting to leaving their engines running in the driveway in order to speed up defrosting of their windscreens, the possibility of theft is also cause for concern – not to mention the environmental impact.
RAC Auto Windscreens is urging motorists to be properly prepared for the approaching cold snap by highlighting the dangers of driving without clear vision and the risks motorists are taking in being penalised. According to the survey, 39% of people are unaware that driving with "porthole" vision can result in a fine of Ł1000 and driving licence penalty points. More worrying still is the fact that as many as one in ten accidents on the UK’s roads are caused by vision impairment2, which can result from ice and snow on the windscreen.
John Tutt, RAC Auto Windscreens operations director, says: “Our research shows that many motorists are taking inadequate and potentially dangerous measures to de-frost their windscreens during the winter months. The most common mistakes to make are trying to clear ice with credit cards or windscreen wipers which can scratch the glass or pouring hot water which can cause cracking. It’s important that drivers take the extra time to prepare their cars for winter conditions safely and ensure that their windscreens are free of ice and frost before setting off on a journey.”
RAC Auto Windscreens winter motoring tips:
- Before setting out on a journey, use a windscreen scraper or a de-icer to remove ice from your vehicle - do not use warm water from a kettle, as resulting problems may include a cracked windscreen
- Carry a key de-icer with you to clear your lock
- Do not drive with a small hole cut through the ice on your windscreen. The Highway Code states that it is illegal to drive with poor visibility
- Ensure all windows and mirrors are completely demisted and totally cleared of ice using a can of de-icer and a windscreen scraper
- Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting. Check windscreen washers making sure that they are adjusted correctly. Screen wash additive should be added to prevent freezing in winter.
Motorists can find out more information on winter driving at the RAC Know How section at www.rac.co.uk
-ends-
1. Research carried out with over 1000 motorists, Tickbox, November 2006
2. DfT Road Casualties in Great Britain Annual Report 2005-published 28 September 2006
RAC Press office contact:
Adam Cracknell
Telephone: 01603 684916
E-mail: adam.cracknell@norwich-union.co.uk
Jasmine Agbulos
Telephone: 020 7908 6402
E-mail: jagbulos@lexispr.com
Sonia Clarke
Telephone: 020 7908 6570
E-mail: sclarke@lexispr.com
Notes to editors:
About RAC Auto Windscreens
RAC Auto Windscreens provides a wholly owned and operated complete automotive glazing repair and replacement service (windscreens, rear windows and side windows) through the largest fitting centre network in the UK.
It is the only replacement windscreen specialist with its own manufacturing operation, producing 250,000 windscreens a year in a dedicated factory in Chesterfield.
Backed by a fleet of 1000 fully equipped fitting units, RAC Auto Windscreens provides a true 24/7 national service for more than 850,000 private and corporate customers every year. For more information on RAC Auto Windscreens visit www.rac.co.uk/windscreens
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 15%.
RAC’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.