Driving can be hugely dangerous, especially when the rules of the road are not followed.

Worryingly, there are many motorists who are breaking a range of lesser-known rules, according to recent research carried out by Scrap Car Comparison. The study revealed that a huge number of drivers across the UK are breaking the law while behind the wheel, such as flashing headlights to give way.

Despite many using their headlights to signal to drivers, whether it be while sitting at a junction or when allowing someone to pull out from a parking space, flashing the lights is actually illegal. According to the study, as many as 88 per cent of road users are guilty of this on a regular basis, with many unaware they are actually breaking driving rules that could leave them with a hefty fine.

The research surveyed over 1,500 drivers to find out how often, if ever, they committed "less obvious" breaches while on the roads across the UK.

The study found that flashing lights to give way was the most commonly broken rule, with almost nine out of 10 motorists admitting to breaking the seemingly innocuous law. Additionally, 42 per cent of those surveyed said they "frequently" or "always" flash their headlights.

Although this may seem as a friendly gesture, drivers must only flash their headlights to let other road users know they are there, the Highway Code rule 110 states. Headlight flashing should not be used to convey any other message.

Breaking this rule by using the lights to give way or say thank you could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Various other "little known" rules were also asked about during the survey. Many of the 1,507 people asked, aged over the age of 18 with a full UK driving licence, admitted to breaking a huge range of rules on a regular basis. For example, many break the law without even realising by playing loud music - with this potentially classed as a driving distraction, resulting in a £100 on-the-spot fine.

A total of 73 per cent of those surveyed admitted to breaking this rule.

Swearing/making a rude gesture at another driver was also a rule broken by many, with 69 per cent of the drivers asked admitting to doing this while behind the wheel.

David Kottaun, Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison commented: “No matter if you’ve been driving for decades or have just passed your test, it always pays to have good knowledge of the rules of the road, as they can regularly be changed or updated to better reflect modern driving conditions and protect everyone that is using the roads.

“While certain rules may seem unnecessary or like they won’t ever be policed, it's never worth testing that theory, as not only could you be putting yourself and other drivers in danger, but you could also run out of luck and end up with an easily avoided penalty.

“Our data shows that some road laws definitely aren’t as well known, or at least abided by, as others – so we hope the findings will help to boost that knowledge and keep everyone safe and fine free when behind the wheel!”

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