Some of us love being organised when it comes to our homes with millions of people declaring themselves as 'clean freaks'.
Groups on Facebook and viral videos on TikTok are among some of the most popular topics with people sharing their tips and tricks online to keeping their homes looking brand new.
But when it comes to our cars, there's not as many people who think about keeping their vehicle looking clean with some people even having a pretty messy interior.
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And because of this, drivers have now been issued a warning over keeping their car clean and avoiding mess or else risk getting a hefty fine and potential jail time. Of course the reason for a fine or time behind bars is not down to the mess itself but as a result of what could happen if your car is messy.
According to Gazette Live, people can be fined up to £5,000 or prison if they fail to keep their cars tidy with many failing to dispose of their fast food packaging, coffee cups or empty drinks bottles. And whilst this can seem like an innocent mistake, it can easily result in a crash if, for example, rubbish gets caught under the pedals.
Andrew Jervis, co-founder of ClickMechanic, an online marketplace for car repairs, explained that people should be cleaning up after them explaining: “Few of us can honestly say we’ve never left a little rubbish in our vehicles.
“However, it’s important to be aware of all of the potential hazards that could arise, and empty drinks containers are certainly one of the most common. They can move around as we drive and if one manages to roll its way into the pedal area, it could spell disaster if it becomes lodged underneath the brake or distracts the driver.
“In extreme cases it might even be looked upon as a case of driving without due care and attention, which could land you with up to nine penalty points and a fine of up to £5,000. If it results in a crash causing serious injury or even death, this could earn you a lengthy ban and see you end up in front of a judge, facing time behind bars.
“So it’s much better to keep your vehicle free from mess as not only does it create a better driving environment, it could help prevent a terrible crash or severe consequences.”
While there is no rule that vehicles must be kept tidy, drivers could fall short of Rule 237 of the Highway Code, which states they must drive with due care and attention. If an accident happens as a result of the mess in your car, this means the person behind the wheel has failed to meet the standard required of a competent driver and hasn’t shown due consideration for other road users.
Whilst you can be fined up to £100 and three points on your licence, more serious offences can result in the heftier side of the fine which can be unlimited and if fatal, can result in a driving ban and prison time.
A study by Nottingham University boffins found traces of Staphylococcus and E coli – which can cause serious illness – when they swabbed the steering wheels, gear sticks and footwells of messy motors.
Mr Jervis added: “There seems to be a correlation between a messy car and drivers who ignore more serious issues with their motors. It’s definitely worth getting into the habit of keeping your vehicle clean and tidy, and if you think there is anything wrong mechanically get it checked out by a training mechanic.”
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