A popular automotive influencer has warned motorists against putting items such as satnavs and phones on their dashboard or windscreen.
@wallsallwood_tyre is the TikTok account of a tyre fitter and vehicle maintenance company that often posts short videos advising drivers on how to avoid fines and damage to their car.
In a recent video, Craig, who is a mechanic at the company, noted that devices should never restrict a motorist’s view of the road.
He explained: “Satnavs and mobile phone holders, where do you put them? Well, I can tell you where you don’t put them, and you don’t put them right in the middle of the windscreen where I see so many people with them.
“These satnavs and these phone holders are ideal for keeping you safe and keeping you legal for the phone requirements. Unfortunately, a lot of people are putting them in such silly places on the windscreen that they are physically restricting their view.”
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According to the Highway Code, motorists are able to place items on their windscreen so long as they do not interfere with their vision of the roads.
Drivers who do not have a full view of their surroundings can face a fine of £200 and six penalty points on their licence.
To avoid this, many experts suggest placing items such as a satnav to the side of the windscreen where they are less likely to distract drivers.
Craig also highlighted that he often sees many motorists in vehicles that feature many loose objects on their dashboard, suggesting that they could lead to serious injury in a collision.
He continued: “Another thing we see a lot of, especially on vans is the amount of debris and basically components left on a dash, from metal radiator keys to their tools.
Now, what I’d like you all to do now is pop out to your car and take a look around your dash at what’s in front of you whilst you’re driving. And imagine what’s going to happen to all those loose things if somebody hits the front of your car at about 60mph.”
With over 31,000 views and nearly 800 likes, many motorists left their thoughts on keeping their vehicle windscreen clear in the comments section.
One mechanic wrote: “Just removed a forest of trees from one mirror and a dashcam from another. Both [drivers were] advised.”
Another commented: “My dash is clean and tidy, and any air freshener I have is attached to the passenger grab handle and tucked up into the sun visor.”
