Do you leave your vehicle running 

                                                                                           to get rid of frost? 

With the current period of cold weather, and similar temperatures likely to return before spring makes an appearance, Staffordshire Police wanted to provide some advice in relation to the safe defrosting of vehicles.

Rule 229 of the Highway Code states that you must be able to see whilst driving, and states that all ice and snow should be cleared from all windows on a vehicle. Someone who doesn’t do this, could commit an offence where they could receive a fine and points on their licence, and also could increase the risk of being involved in a road traffic collision due to poor visibility.

The majority of drivers in the Staffordshire area do follow this rule and spend time defrosting their vehicle before driving off.

Concerns are raised when vehicles are started, and then left by their owners with the keys in the ignition.

Vehicles left running, with no supervision are at a high risk of being stolen, as it takes very little time to get into the car and then drive off. 

Vehicle thieves will risk driving if they believe they can get away with it, even if there is still a lot of frost on the windows.

If a vehicle is left running unattended on a road, it is also an offence under Regulation 107(1) of the Road vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation 1986 or an offence known as ‘Quitting’

So remember –

 - That when your vehicle is defrosting, don’t leave it unattended, as you may return to it, and it won’t be there. 

 - You could also commit an offence if you leave it running unattended anywhere on a road.

 - Allowing extra time in your daily planning can prevent both of these points, and assist in ensuring you get to your destination safely.

Additional crime prevention advice can be found on the Secured By Design Website here….. Secured by Design - Secured by Design