Drivers are being warned of a potentially dangerous habit that could land them a £1,000 fine.
Over the years, drivers can develop certain habits as they become more experienced behind the wheel and some of these could be potentially dangerous.
Popular bad habits can range from not putting two hands on the wheel to performing a technique called coasting, as a way to save on petrol. Coasting is when a vehicle travels in neutral or when the driver presses and holds the clutch down.
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However, as the Express points out, coasting is highlighted under rule 122 of the Highway Code. Drivers could be fined for practicing the technique if they lose control and it leads to accident.
However, many motorists are unaware that they could be fined for practicing the technique if it leads to an accident.
Coasting is covered under rule 122 of the Highway Code and can cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle.
Rule 122 states: "Coasting. This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. It can reduce driver control because
- Engine braking is eliminated
- Vehicle speed downhill will increase quickly
- Increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness
- Steering response will be affected, particularly on bends and corners
- It may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed.
If this rule is broken, car drivers can land themselves a hefty fine of £1,000 or £2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle and and a discretionary disqualification.
When coasting, engine braking is eliminated and can lead to the speed increasing quickly when travelling downhill, while there may also be a reduction in the effectiveness of the footbrake with the steering response also being affected.
This can become a serious issue and dangerous when travelling through bends and corners.
John Wilmot, chief executive of LeaseLoco, added that coasting may be affected by new technology in cars.
He said: “Coasting is no longer beneficial to energy efficiency due to the fuel system in the majority of modern cars.
“When we drive downhill in gear, our engine ECU detects that the accelerator isn’t engaged and cuts fuel from going into the fuel injectors.
“We use no fuel or very little when driving downhill in gear.
“However, when we drive downhill in neutral, our engine and wheels become disconnected.
“This forces a small amount of fuel to be sent to the engine due to the car not receiving the rotational power it needs from the wheels, instead of drawing that power directly from the wheels.”
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