Having a Spider in Your Car Could See You Banned
Spiders are a common fear amongst the population of Britain, but you may have never thought being scared by an arachnid in your vehicle could result in a hefty fine, or even worse, a driving ban.
Spiders Season
September and October is the peak spider mating season in the UK, with millions of Brits sure to notice a large increase in the number of eight-legged terrors invading their homes (and their cars!)
All species of house spiders are currently looking for a mate, however the current weather conditions aren’t ideal for the reproduction, as they prefer warm and dry environments. This might mean they’ll be likely to infiltrate your car, increasing the likelihood of a disturbed spider falling on you while you’re driving.
However, CEO of MotorEasy, Duncan McClure Fisher has warned that being suddenly shocked by the appearance of a spider is no reason to ignore the rules of the road. McClure Fisher states “It’s vital that all drivers are 100 per cent focused on what they are doing while behind the wheel. You are in charge of a two-tonne piece of metal travelling at speed, so distractions can be fatal. If your concentration is suddenly diverted by something inside the vehicle this could constitute driving without due care and attention or careless driving.
What are the consequences of being distracted?
If you’re spooked by a spider, and found guilty of careless driving, courts could impose between three and nine penalty points, and slap you with a £2,500 fine. You could even be disqualified and put behind bars, depending on the severity of the incident.
In 2015, a woman in South Wales was banned for 12 months and handed community service when a man died following an incident when she panicked after a spider fell into her lap from the sun visor. And last year, a driver in the Isle of Wight drove into a road sign after being scared when he spotted an arachnid in his vehicle.
You are most likely to find a spider hiding in warm and secluded spots in your car - including the air vents, behind the sun visor and even around the engine. Experts say the best way to keep spiders away from your car, is to spray diluted citrus or peppermint oil around the car as these substances are those spiders hate and will therefore avoid.
The next time you spot an eight-legged creature in your vehicle, remember to stay calm and focused on the road.
