A tragic reminder
Driving with a dirty or obscured windscreen, particularly in low or dazzling sun conditions, is both dangerous and illegal.
Royal Mail expressly prohibits the carrying of mail in trays or other objects in the front of cabs or vehicles unless the mail is carried in a pouch on the front seat and secured with a seatbelt.
The dangers of carrying items in the front of vehicles was recently highlighted when an NHS doctor was killed whilst cycling in Birmingham. Despite it being illegal to operate a heavy vehicle with an obscured windscreen, the driver’s vision was blocked by a tray and its contents.
Although the victim had stopped at traffic lights at least three bike lengths in front of the lorry, the driver failed to see her, despite the hi-viz clothing she was wearing.
After being convicted of causing death by careless driving, the driver was sentenced to 21 months in prison and banned from driving for two years and 10 months. S&J Transport was fined £112,500 and ordered to pay £3,000 in costs when obstructions to the windscreen were found in the cab.
It is tragic cases like this, that remind us just how dangerous driving with an obscured or cluttered windscreen can be.
What is the law on windscreen obstruction?
According to the Department for Transport, under Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, drivers are warned that they must keep all glass clear of obstruction.
‘All glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road.’
If a driver is stopped and a windscreen is found to be obscured, they can be given a prohibition and a penalty. The obstruction must also be removed before the vehicle is allowed to move on. It is also worth remembering that in the event of a collision, loose parcels or other items that are unsecured can pose a hazard.
Group road safety manager, Mark Bromhall, said: ‘It is important that people realise the implications of failing to keep windscreens clear of clutter. At this time of year, this could also include failing to adequately clear mist, ice or snow from your windscreen. The tragic case detailed above could easily have been avoided.’
