Drivers warned to stay calm over deadly insect or risk fine of £2,500

As the weather gets warmer, the number of drivers on the road increases, but so do the number of wasp colonies which may leave you with an unwelcome passenger in your car.

While it may seem unlikely to happen, wasp numbers are significantly higher in the summer months. During this time, wasps pose an additional hazard to drivers, who may become distracted by the flying insects entering their car whilst they are driving, especially when travelling on high-speed roads and motorways.

If you fear bugs, flies, and other insects, the sudden appearance of one inside your car might be startling and could cause erratic driving behaviour.

Driving whilst distracted by a wasp or any other insect could lead to up to 9 penalty points and a £2,500 fine for careless driving in extreme circumstances. In some cases, if it results in someone getting hurt, the punishments could be even more severe.

Even to people who don’t mind wasps, the sudden appearance of one could be quite alarming. When in the enclosed space of a car, it's understandable that they could prove to be a distraction to the driver.

Nevertheless, it's crucial that we stay as calm as possible and don’t let wasps or other insects distract us from driving safely.

Experts advise maintaining a clean and tidy car, free from food and drink containers, as these usually attract insects.

If you encounter a wasp flying around your vehicle whilst driving, remember to remain calm. The calmer you are, the less likely the wasp is to sting you. Be sure to wind down your windows to give the wasp an opportunity to escape. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.