Around 33.8 million* Brits admit to costly car mistakes that could lead to a fine and invalidation of cover

With winter well and truly underway, leading insurer, Aviva, highlights the common mistakes drivers tend to make when hitting the roads.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 Brits, reveals that just over one in six (17%) have driven even though visibility was poor due to bright sunlight. During the winter months - when the sun is lower in the sky - sun glare can be caused by windshields or car hoods and made worse by deflections from wet roads and snow or ice. This is worrying news, as additional Aviva data reveals that claims related to slippery conditions and low sun claims peak in the months of December, January and February^[2].

Choosing to drive even though visibility is poor could go against rule 237 of the Highway Code, which states that drivers must slow down, and if necessary, stop driving altogether, if they are dazzled by bright sunlight. If motorists decide to drive despite being unable to see, they’re not only putting themselves and others at risk, but they could also face a fault claim.

The weather continues to influence Brits’ habits when behind the wheel, with 34% admitting to wearing unsuitable clothing or footwear, such as bulky winter coats (20%), gloves (19%) and wellies or snow boots (5%).

While not explicitly illegal, these choices may breach rule 97 of the Highway Code, which states that clothing and footwear must not prevent a driver from using the vehicle’s controls properly. If deemed to impair driving ability, motorists could face a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points. In more serious cases, penalties can escalate to a £5,000 fine, nine points, or even a driving ban if the matter goes to court. 

Other risky driving habits include leaving the car unlocked while stepping away briefly (12%), driving even though mirrors or lights weren’t fully clear (10%) and pouring hot water over a windscreen to de-ice it (8%).

Hannah Pinches, Director of Motor Claims at Aviva, comments: “Glare tends to affect drivers when the sun is low in the sky and can be extremely distracting. According to our data, claims caused by glare peak in the months of December, January and February^[2], which is why it's a good idea to slow down and keep a safe distance from the car in front, so you have plenty of time to react if something unexpected happens.

“Adverse conditions – such as low sun – can increase the risk of an accident or incident. To reduce the chances of this happening, it’s important to take a few extra minutes to prepare your vehicle – such as using the car’s visor to help stay safe on the roads. Fines for failing to do so can also reach up to £1,000, and in serious cases, you could face points on your licence or even a driving ban.”

Aviva’s top tips for driving safely during tough weather conditions:

Sun: Driving during periods of low sun can be challenging, so don’t forget to make use of your visor. It could also be worth purchasing some polarised sunglasses, as the filter can block horizontally reflected light.

Lights: During adverse weather such as heavy snow or rain, using your headlights instead of daytime running lights makes you more visible to other drivers.

Gears: When starting off, use second gear to avoid wheel spin on ice and snow. Drive in the highest gear possible at a slow speed on flat ground. Use third or fourth gear when driving downhill, and a lower gear when turning. If you have an automatic car, consider using the manual override to select the right gear and avoid braking, which can cause skidding.

Slow and steady: Accelerate and brake gently to prevent skidding. In wet and icy weather, stopping distances increase tenfold, so leave plenty of space between your car and the vehicle in front. Winter tyres can improve grip in tough conditions, but you may need to let your insurer know if you plan to use them.

Be alert: Watch out for roads in shaded areas such as by trees or buildings, as black ice can form where sunlight doesn’t reach.

Flood: Never drive through flood water and take caution driving through fords or tides. It’s hard to gauge the depth, and you could become stranded or swept away. If in doubt, find an alternative route or wait for the water to recede. Even a small amount of water can damage an engine, so it’s best to be cautious.

Batteries: Cold weather can reduce a battery’s efficiency and if you have an EV, it’s worth planning your route carefully to factor in a possible change in range and charge time.

-ends-

References:

_{*Using the inverse of “N/A – I do not drive/have never driven a car / do not own a car” and “None of the above” we get 63% multiplied by 53,646,829 = 33,797,502.27}

^1. _{Data taken from 2,000 nationally representative consumers (18+) from 19.09.2025 - 22.09.2025. A full list of the costly car mistakes can be provided on request. 34% statistic found by looking at those who have driven in a big winter coat and/or have driven in heels and/or have driven in wellies/snow boots. [↑]}

^2. _{Aviva motor claims data in 2024 – relating to ‘slippery conditions’ or ‘low sun.’  [↑]}

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