SEAT Helps Debunk Biggest UK Driving Myths

22/08/2023 10:28 Share

The majority of the UK drivers have not read the Highway Code within the last five years
Drivers are allowed to drive barefoot and with flip-flops if they can fully control the vehicle
You should not move to an active bus lane to let an emergency vehicle pass
Children under the age of 12 are allowed to sit in the front seat

A survey arranged by SEAT has discovered the biggest driving myths in the UK. OnePoll conducted the survey on behalf of SEAT between 29th March and 4th April 2023. As many as 2,000 UK motorists participated in the study.

Some of the most common myths included drivers not being allowed to drive barefoot as well as whether children are allowed to sit in the front seat.

Almost 50% of drivers in the UK did not know the ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’, which was introduced in 2022. Furthermore, the majority of drivers have not read the Highway Code for over five years, or at all.

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Debunking the top five myths

1. Driving barefoot is not allowed

As many as 52% of the respondents thought this to be true. This is, however, not illegal. It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure they can control the vehicle at all times. Depending on your skill level, driving without your shoes may affect your ability to control the car.

2. Driving with flip-flops is illegal

Out of the participants, 49% thought that this was not allowed. As well as driving without shoes, you are allowed to wear flip-flops while driving, but you must be able to fully control the vehicle.

Driving myths debunked

3. You can only enter an active bus lane if letting an emergency vehicle pass

This is not true. In fact, emergency vehicles might often use the bus lane to overtake other vehicles, so you should keep the lane clear. If you do however end up in a bus lane, exit as soon as it is safe to do so. Out of the participants, 47% thought that this was true.

4. Children under 12 years old are not allowed to sit in the front

There is a common misconception that children should only sit in the backseat. The study revealed that 38% of the recipients thought that this was true.

Children can sit in the front seat of the car. However, if you have a rearward-facing child seat in the front, you must deactivate the passenger airbag. It is highly recommended for children to sit in the back in a suitable child restraint.

5. You should not drive at night with interior lights turned on

Even though 37% of the participants thought so, this is not illegal. You are allowed to drive around with your light on, but you must make sure it doesn’t distract your vision.