Most drivers like to think they are relatively up to speed with the most important rules of the road. However, evidence would suggest that a surprising proportion of motorists aren’t quite as clued-up as they think they are.
To illustrate the point, here’s a brief rundown of five common driving myths you might have bought into, but shouldn’t have:
1. You can fool speed cameras by changing lanes
This particular myth stems from the fact that it was actually true at one point in time. Rudimentary speed cameras were not particularly sophisticated, meaning you could evade them simply by changing Lanes while passing them. These days, however, it’s not quite as simple. Technology has come a long way over the years and there’s really nothing you can do to evade prosecution, if you pass a speed camera too quickly. Not that switching lanes erratically simply to avoid detection was never a good idea, but still – no point even attempting it as of now.
2. Speed cameras have a tolerance of 10%
Again, there’s a small amount of truth to this particular myth, which is why it’s so widely believed. A recent study carried out by Auto Express found that many of the UK’s local police forces do indeed impose a 10% tolerance (plus 2mph) on their speed cameras. However, it’s neither a blanket rule nor a standard that all police forces go with. Hence, there’s no way of knowing whether any given speed camera has a 10% tolerance, or no tolerance whatsoever. Taking chances is therefore not a good idea.
3. Nobody gets prosecuted for driving too slow
Absolutely untrue, as to drive so slowly as to cause a potential risk to other motorists is just as bad as speeding. Keeping things at 25 in a 30 zone or sticking at around 60 on a motorway isn’t considered an offence, even if it annoys other motorists in a rush. However, plod down a motorway at 30 and there’s a good chance a sensible and responsible driver following all rules of the road will plough straight into the back of you. So yes, you can be prosecuted for driving too slowly.
4. Breaking the rules is fine when making way for emergency vehicles
When an emergency vehicle approaches from any direction, it can be quite stressful. Particularly if you’re in a difficult position and have little room for manoeuvre. But what few motorists realise is that if you break the rules with an illegal manoeuvre simply to get out of the way, you can still be prosecuted. While it’s technically not likely to happen, you’re still prime for a reprimand, ticket and penalty points if you break the rules to make way for an emergency vehicle.
5. Driving after one drink is fine
Last but not least, this is nonsensical for the simple reason that ‘one drink’ is so incredibly ambiguous. One drink of what? Low-strength 3% beer? Export strength 5% lager? A single or double whisky with or without a mixer? And what about your own tolerance and the way your body metabolises booze? Truth is, two people could consume exactly the same ‘one drink’ before driving and be affected in an entirely different way. Likewise, one of the two could test well over the legal limit, while the other might not test for any alcohol in their system whatsoever.
