De-Ice Your Car to Avoid Court Action This Winter

With freezing temperatures and icy road conditions, it is important that you stay safe on the roads this winter.

Motorists need to be careful when defrosting their cars - you should never leave your vehicle unattended, even to run into the house if you have forgotten something. Not only is it a target for thieves, it is also against the law. You may also find that your insurance company will not cover you if your car is stolen.

Section 229 of the Highway Code confirms that before you set off, you must be able to see, so you need to ensure that you have cleared all snow and ice from your windows, ensure lights are clean and your number plate is visible and legible.

You also need to ensure that your windows are demisted, remove all snow that may fall off your vehicle into the path of others, as failing to clear windows properly could lead to a fixed penalty fine and three points on your licence. A windscreen mostly covered in ice can prevent you from noticing pedestrians waiting to cross the road at a zebra crossing or another risk. Do not use boiling or hot water to clear your windows as the difference in temperature could crack them. Instead, use a de-icer fluid or an ice scraper.

Clearing your car of ice is a vital safety check - as well as a legal requirement - that could make the difference between a safe journey and a dangerous accident.

Unfortunately, more people will suffer road accidents due to adverse weather conditions - if you have been involved in an accident, you need to seek legal advice - speak to our specialist Personal Injury team on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk. 

Alternatively, view our Personal Injury webpage for further information.

For more information about driving in wintry conditions visit the Government website.

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.