Drivers urged to use 50p household item to clear windscreen frost or risk £2,500 Highway Code fine
The Met Office has issued four yellow weather warnings for snow and ice today
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Drivers are being urged to use a handy and cheap household item to clear frost, ice and snow from their windscreens as temperatures continue to drop.
Millions of motorists around the country will be waking up in the mornings to see their cars covered in frost as the winter weather sweeps the nation.
Experts are calling on drivers to use a common item, which costs less than 50p, to help make their mornings easier to clear condensation from their windscreens and mirrors.
When tackling their frosted windscreens, drivers can use a budget microfibre cloth to get the job done easily and quickly.
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Similar cleaning items can be found in homeware shops on high streets, or on Amazon, with one pack of 24 costing £11.52 or 48p per cloth.
Drivers are recommended to use the fabric cloth in “circular motions to avoid smudging”, as this could also impact the vision from the driving seat.
Tim Alcock, spokesperson for LeaseCar, warned: “Drivers should always make sure to completely de-mist their windscreens before setting off or risk being slapped with a fine of up to £2,500 for breaking the Highway Code.”
If drivers only leave a small gap in their windscreen or mirrors, they could be accused of careless driving for not being able to see the road ahead.
The Met Office has extended its yellow weather warnings affecting various parts of the UK for today and tomorrow.
Four snow and ice warnings are in place for Thursday for eastern Scotland and England, Northern Ireland and South West England, with the warning for the east remaining in place.
With the snow and ice warnings, drivers are warned that some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Some icy patches could also remain on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
These hazardous conditions could lead to an increased number of cars skidding on roads, with the colder temperatures also bringing frost issues for motorists.
Rules 228 to 231 outline how drivers should act when on the roads in icy and snowy weather with helpful diagrams to show what correct measures should look like.
When driving in icy or snowy weather, people should drive with care, even if the roads have been treated and keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be up to 10 times greater than on dry roads.
Rule 229 states that drivers must be able to see, requiring them to clear all snow, ice and frost from their windows, mirrors and lights.
Motorists should check their planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfall will occur.
The previous Highway Code rule states: “In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather.
“DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey.
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Drivers are being urged to use a microfibre cloth to clear frost
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“Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.”