[Jonathan Fry] Don’t Crack in the Cold RAC Warns Motorists

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Jon Fry

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Oct 27, 2005, 10:42:34 PM10/27/05

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Credit cards, CDs, pen knives and even a fish slice are just some of the items 56% of Britain’s motorists have admitted to using to clear ice from their windscreens, according to an RAC Auto Windscreens’ winter vision survey.

These alternative ice scrapers may seem to do the job, but in fact they can create tiny scratches on the windscreen which could prove hazardous. Scratches on a windscreen can potentially obscure the driver’s vision when they are hit by the glare of headlights from on-coming traffic, RAC Auto Windscreens, the vehicle glazing expert, is warning motorists.

Similarly, nearly a quarter (24%) of those surveyed admitted to breaking the law and driving with porthole vision. By law the windows and mirrors of a vehicle must be clear and de-misted thoroughly before you set off on your journey. Drivers who ignore the law are risking a £1000 fine for driving with restricted vision.

RAC Auto Windscreens Technical and Safety Manager, Chris Bonsall said: "As well as breaking the law you are endangering the life of yourself and other motorists if you drive with restricted vision. Why put yourself and others at risk for the sake of getting up a few minutes earlier in the morning and investing a few pounds on an ice scraper and can of de-icer. If you don’t, it could be a hefty fine or worse still, a 14 year prison sentence if you cause a death while driving with restricted vision."

Follow RAC Auto Windscreens’ five-point advice plan to ensure your windscreen does not fall foul of the frost or law this winter:

Get any chips in your windscreen repaired now. In extreme cold a chip can turn to a crack. All RAC Auto Windscreens’ fitting centres offer free windscreen checks.
Always carry a purpose-made ice scraper and a can of de-icer in your car. Frost doesn’t just occur at night.
Never, ever use hot or boiling liquid to clear your windscreen. The extreme of hot on cold can cause the windscreen to crack.
It takes at least five minutes to fully de-ice your car, so allow extra time in your morning routine.
Ensure you top up with anti-freeze and screen wash daily. Never be tempted to use washing-up liquid in place of anti-freeze, particularly in cold weather.

Winter vision survey

56% of respondents have used something other than a purpose-made ice scraper
32% of respondents admit to pouring hot water onto a frozen windscreen
87% of women compared to 75% of men claim to clear all their vehicle’s windows
18% of motorists admit to just clearing their front and rear windscreens
24% of motorists admit to driving with porthole vision

Web Site:
RAC Web Site, Roadside Assistance and Other Services

Research Material:

RAC Auto Windscreens provides a wholly owned and operated complete automotive glazing repair and replacement service (windscreens, rear windows and side windows) through the largest fitting centre network in the UK.
It is the only replacement windscreen specialist with its own manufacturing operation, producing 250,000 windscreens a year in a dedicated factory in Chesterfield.

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