Millions of badly-behaved Brits are risking their safety as well as their bank balance by driving with their windscreen iced up in wintry conditions, according to research.
The dark, wet and cold months can be the most treacherous on the road - with motorists more likely to be caught off-guard by the unpredictable conditions.
And a survey of 2,000 motorists found 35 per cent admitted to driving off with their windscreen either misted up or still covered in ice over the past 12 months - an offence punishable by a £60 fine and three penalty points.
One quarter of those polled said they had put their car at high risk of theft by leaving the engine running and popping back inside while the windscreen clears.
Around 16 per cent have reversed their car despite having zero rear visibility while 14 per cent have risked mechanical damage by over-revving a cold engine.
It also emerged more than a fifth have risked cracking the windscreen by de-icing it with warm or hot water while a quarter have driven with snow on the roof, which could potentially cover the windscreen after braking.
The survey was carried out by Halfords Autocentres as Britain’s unpredictable weather continues to cause issues on the roads.
Temperatures are set to fall, with the Met Office predicting some parts of the UK will be hit by snow and ice.
But more than a quarter of the motorists polled have not carried out basic checks on their car over the past month because of the bad weather.
Worryingly, 55 per cent haven't looked at their tyre tread over the past month while half haven't checked the tyre’s inflation.
This is despite tyres making up 58 per cent of all ‘dangerous defects’ recorded in the latest MOT results from the DVSA.
It has also emerged that one in 10 motorists aren't confident in their ability to drive in wet or icy conditions.
Aaron Edwards, from Halfords Autocentres, said: “A lot of the UK has had a mild and wet winter so far but with cold weather on the way, we strongly advise motorists to take precautions to keep themselves and their passengers safe.
“Its imperative people ensure their windscreen is fully cleared before setting off, not only is it a legal requirement to be able to have a clear view of the road, it is vital for the safety of all road users.”
Halfords is offering a free winter check in its shops and Autocentres to motorists who want peace of mind about their car’s roadworthiness.
It follows a Freedom of Information request which revealed police handed out more than 70,000 vehicle defect notices between 2016 and 2019.
The Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme is used by police to deal with minor maintenance issues with cars, such as blown bulbs, worn tyres or broken wiper blades.
Motorists issued with defect notices must get the issue fixed within 14 days and show proof to the police.
Separate research by OnePoll for Halfords revealed nine per cent of motorists have driven around with faulty wiper blades over the past 12 months, while eight per cent have knowingly carried on driving with a broken brake light.
The survey also showed how many motorists aren't keeping many key items in their car in the event of a winter driving emergency.
Just 27 per cent store a blanket in their car and 33 per cent keep a torch.
Only 35 per cent have a first aid kit while 36 per cent have a mobile phone charger.
For more information on Halfords Autocentres’ free winter car check and driving advice for bad weather, go to https://www.
