Motorists could be caught out by five unexpected road hazards this weekend, with drivers likely to be fined thousands of pounds. Drivers heading onto the roads over Saturday and Sunday could be caught out by multiple natural hazards as a result of the hot weather.
Everything from flying insects, wildfires and bird strikes could be a risk as temperatures rise by the end of the week. According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to hit 28 Celsius on Friday with 27 Celsius expected on Saturday. Nextbase’s Head of Road Safety, Bryn Brooker suggested this weekend could create a “perfect storm of driving challenges”.
He warned nature was set to throw in “curveballs” with even experienced drivers likely to be caught out.
Bryn added: “We’re seeing an unprecedented combination of hazards – from these massive ladybird swarms that can suddenly engulf your windscreen, to heat-stressed wildlife behaving unpredictably near busy holiday routes. The key message is awareness and preparation.
“These might seem like minor incidents, but failing to react correctly to any road hazard – whether it’s a swarm of insects or a deer jumping from roadside vegetation – could land you with penalty points and fines up to £5,000. Nobody wants to start their family holiday with a hefty penalty and potential court appearance.”
Motorists have been warned that millions of ladybirds are currently swarming across the UK due to soaring summer temperatures. According to Nextbase, some areas in Essex and Suffolk are experiencing the largest invasion in decades.
Despite their harmless nature, a swarm of ladybirds sticking to car windscreens may be a serious safety issue with vision likely to be blocked.
Nextbase also warns that wasps, bees, and flying beetles are usually at their most active during summer heat. However, they warn this could become a serious safety issue with drivers likely to panic, swerve their hands, and lose control of their vehicle if they spot one in the cabin.
Nextbase has also warned higher temperatures are likely to cause different behaviour in animals. Animals looking to seek water and shade mean that deer and foxes could run across the road unexpectedly.
According to Nextbase, longer daylight hours mean peak wildlife activity coincides with busy travel times, meaning the risk of hitting an animal could be higher. Young birds learning to fly can also create unexpected hazards, with coastal and rural areas most at risk.
Five unexpected road hazards – full list
- Ladybird Invasion
- Wildlife Rush Hour
- Flying Insect Chaos
- Bird Strike Season
- Heat-Driven Animal Behaviour