Child seat manufacturer Diono has warned drivers how a sudden encounter with a spider could land them with a £2,500 fine and up to nine penalty points.
With fall fast approaching, many spiders are looking for warmer and drier places to nest, and many are choosing parked cars.
Diono CEO and child safety expert Tim Maule recommended that drivers thoroughly check their vehicles before setting off to avoid encountering the widely feared creature.
He advised: “Regular checks are crucial. Before every trip, check your child’s car seat for signs of spider activity. Pay particular attention to crevices and corners where spiders can hide or fall on you, such as sun visors.
“Look for signs of web or spider activity inside and outside your car, especially in the darkest, least disturbed areas of the car.”
However, if the driver notices that there is a spider in his car while in the middle of the trip, Diono urged him to remain as calm as possible.
The best thing for motorists is to try to ignore the creature, continue their journey normally or stop in a safe space to get rid of it safely.
Those who overreact when they find a spider in their car can put themselves and other road users at greater risk of causing a crash and potentially face a charge of dangerous driving, which can result in fines of up to £2,500 and nine penalty points. the most serious cases.
To prevent spiders from entering their vehicle, Tim also advised motorists to check out the wide range of natural repellents available for sale.
He added: “Keep your vehicle clean and clutter-free. Spiders are attracted to dark, clutter-free areas. Regular cleaning not only repels spiders, but also ensures that your child’s seating area remains hygienic.
“Consider using child-safe, spider-repellent methods. Natural repellants such as peppermint oil can be effective when used safely and away from your child’s immediate seating area. A quick wipe and spray with natural repellants is highly recommended.”
Finally, Diono assured drivers that the majority of spiders found in the UK are far from dangerous.
Although many Brits have a phobia of the eight-legged creature, most of them only get into the car to stay safe from other insects and to stay warm in colder weather.
Because of this, it’s important for drivers who feel nervous when they see one to remember to take a few deep breaths and remember that the spider is much more frightening to them.
