A car industry expert has revealed that motorists must properly adjust their driver seat headrests to avoid a significant fine and protect against neck and spine injuries that may occur during crashes.
This requirement, stated in Rule 97 of the Highway Code, carries a maximum penalty of a £1,000 fine and three licence points when broken.
Rule 97 also requires drivers to have their seat and steering wheel in appropriate positions.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Many of us are probably guilty of not checking that our seat, wheel, and head restraint have been adjusted to be in the correct position each time we get in the car.
“Sitting incorrectly will not only compromise your safety in the event of a collision but can also cause discomfort when driving for long periods of time and potentially lead to long-term back and neck problems.
READ MORE: Drivers could be fined £2,500 for moving out of the way of an ambulance
“It’s important to follow the guidance issued in the Highway Code to be sat in the optimal driving position,” GB News reports.
Alcock noted that your vehicle’s headrest should be as high as possible to allow you to see the road ahead best.
However, manual transmission drivers must keep their seats low enough so that their feet can reach the clutch without stretching.
This motoring industry expert added: “Steering wheel positioning should also be adjusted to ensure the airbag will be as effective as possible in the event of a collision - the seat should be as far back from the wheel as possible.”
Don't miss...
Councils fight back after millions ‘game' speed cameras to dodge fines [LATEST]
Drivers warned over flip flops law which could land you £5,000 fine [ANALYSIS]
Drivers face ‘big penalties’ for not pressing car buttons as temperatures rise [COMMENT]
Another commonly overlooked way drivers could receive a £1,000 fine is by playing the I-Spy game with other passengers.
The game, a staple of many family road trips, involves one participant selecting an object within their sight and revealing only its initial letter while the others attempt to guess what it is.
Failure to maintain total control of the vehicle or a full view of the road and traffic ahead carries a £1,000 fine and three licence.
In other words, the Highway Code considers playing I-Spy behind the wheel as a potential form of distracted driving.
Related articles
- UK tourists warned as 79,528 fines handed out from one traffic camera in Spain
- Drivers warned common car accessory could lead to £2,500 fines
- Police fine Land Rover owner for pavement parking as locals forced on 60mph road
- Drivers face fines up to £5,060 and points with three common car modifications
- Drivers can dodge fines & increase fuel economy using an easy ‘20p tyre’ method