Wasps are more likely to target drivers with brightly coloured cars, particularly those with yellow and white hues, due to their attraction to these colours. A recent warning from a motoring company’s managing director highlights the importance of being vigilant when driving, especially during the summer months when temperatures are rising. The warning comes as wasps become more active in the warmer weather, seeking food and water to sustain their colonies. These insects can become more aggressive if they sense a threat, and their interactions with people can result in more wasp-related incidents, including when driving. Wasps are drawn to vibrant colours, particularly those resembling flowers, such as yellow and white. These colours can be appealing to wasps because they link them to possible food sources like nectar. A study by pest control websites suggests that wearing bright colours, especially yellow, can unintentionally lure wasps. If a wasp flies into your car and you allow yourself to become dangerously distracted, you could face a charge of ‘careless driving’ if you aren’t careful or calm enough. The fixed penalty for careless driving is a £100 fine and three points on the driver’s licence, with more serious cases sent to court where offenders may face much higher penalties. However, there are ways to reduce the risks posed by wasps. For instance, avoiding certain air freshener scents, clearing your vehicle’s front grille of dead insects, and being mindful of your car’s colour can all make a difference. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, notes that wasps are not the only threat to drivers. Panicking when a wasp flies into the open window of a vehicle can lead to a lapse in concentration, which can be fatal. He advises drivers to remain calm and bring their vehicle to a halt as soon as it’s safe to do so. According to a new study by Select Car Leasing, seven per cent of motorists have been “dangerously distracted” by a flying insect in the past 12 months alone. Several tragic cases have also been reported where the presence of a wasp in a car has led to a catastrophic lapse in concentration and subsequent fatality. To reduce the risk of wasp-related incidents, drivers can take several precautions. Firstly, they should ensure their car’s air conditioning system is functioning properly, as this can prevent the need to open the window in the first place. Secondly, they should avoid wearing floral-patterned clothes while driving, as wasps may mistake them for genuine flowers. Drivers can also take steps to prevent wasps from being attracted to their car. For instance, they should avoid parking near areas with flowering plants, trees, or overflowing bins, and they should keep their windows shut to prevent wasps from entering the vehicle.
| Precautions to Take | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Avoid parking near areas with flowering plants, trees, or overflowing bins | Wasps are attracted to these locations, so drivers should be wary when parking in these areas. |
| 2. Keep your windows shut | Preventing wasps from entering the vehicle can reduce the risk of wasp-related incidents. |
| 3. Avoid wearing floral-patterned clothes while driving | Wasps may mistake these clothes for genuine flowers, so drivers should opt for dark-coloured clothing instead. |
| 4. Ensure your car’s air conditioning system is functioning properly | This can prevent the need to open the window in the first place, reducing the risk of wasp-related incidents. |
| Wasps Attracted to | Description |
|---|---|
| White and yellow colours | These colours resemble flowers and are attractive to wasps, which link them to possible food sources like nectar. |
| Shiny surfaces | Wasps are drawn to shiny surfaces because they look like water or other reflective areas. |
| Sweet-smelling food sources | Wasps are attracted to sweet-smelling food sources, so drivers should avoid leaving food wrappers or other sugary substances in their car. |
| Tropical fruit-scented air fresheners | These scents can attract wasps, so drivers should opt for alternative air fresheners. |
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, emphasizes the importance of being vigilant when driving, particularly during the summer months. He advises drivers to remain calm and bring their vehicle to a halt as soon as it’s safe to do so if a wasp flies into the open window.
“It’s not about demonizing wasps, it’s about being aware of the risks they pose to drivers,” says Conway. “By taking simple precautions, drivers can reduce the risk of wasp-related incidents and stay safe on the road.”
Stay safe on the road this summer by being aware of the risks posed by wasps and taking steps to reduce them.