Dangerous dilemma; GIRL TORQUE with Jackie Violet in association with SAAB

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), August 31, 2007

Byline: Jackie Violet

HERE it is - the burning question. Is it legal or illegal to pick you nose while driving? This is the huge dilemma facing the majority of motorists who are totally confused over what constitutes legal and illegal behaviour behind the wheel.

And if you're one of the many who's clueless about what you can or can't do legally while driving, don't worry. For you are not alone according to a survey by YouGov commissioned by Swinton Insurance.

More than three-quarters of drivers think it's perfectly legal to change a CD, hold a partner's hand - that's as far as it goes please - or light a cigarette when driving.

Whereas nearly two-thirds of people think it's illegal to apply lipstick when behind the wheel, only 29% thought making a 'V' sign would be on the wrong side of the law while 8% believed carrying a crate of beer in the back would get them nicked.

The population is split over whether it's legal to eat a sandwich at the wheel or not, with 51% of the 2,400 drivers questioned considering this as illegal behaviour.

The truth is that any of these could be considered illegal in the eyes of the law if the police reckon you're not in full control of the vehicle .

Quite rightly, Swinton's motor insurance division is concerned that this level of misunderstanding could result in drivers unwittingly breaking the law and facing a hefty fine or even disqualification for driving without due care and attention.

There is a novelty in itself here - an insurance company which actually cares!

The Road Traffic Act 1988 states: "If a person drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, he is guilty of an offence."

Punishments for careless and inconsiderate driving can include a maximum fine of pounds 2,500, up to nine points on your licence or disqualification.

Luckily help will be at hand as the Driving Standards Agency proposes 30 new rules to add to the new edition of the Highway Code - including a ban on smoking at the wheel. Breaking these rules can result in drivers being handed a fixed penalty of up to pounds 60, at the discretion of the police.

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