Clear your car windows before setting off

Make sure you can see and be seen this autumn – that’s the message to road users from Auto Windscreens, the national automotive glazing services provider.

Auto Windscreens is advising motorists to ensure they clear their vehicle’s windows completely before setting off on their journey, or risk falling foul of the law.

The law dictates that ‘windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision’. Failing to clear windows properly could lead to a fixed penalty fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points or even disqualification if the offence is committed within three years of a previous conviction for the same offence. Even worse, causing a fatal smash as a result of driving with dirty glass could result in a 14 year prison sentence and an unlimited fine.

In 2008 motorists driving with a dirty or scratched windscreen accounted for 163 of the accidents on British roads; six of those were fatalities.

Auto Windscreens Sales and Marketing Director, Nigel Davies, said: “163 traffic accidents last year could have been avoided. Our experience is that motorists tend to be complacent about ensuring good visibility which means that the windscreen is often an after-thought, or is totally forgotten when it comes to car maintenance. Make it a priority. Ensuring you, your windscreen and car are in good health this autumn could save your life and avoid you endangering the life of other road users.”