Drivers warned of hidden spiders in cars as 'infestations likely' amid breeding season
As the spider breeding season begins, drivers are being warned to watch out for hidden creatures in their vehicles and potential dangers
As summer draws to a close and nights begin to cool, an unexpected hazard may start lurking around in your car.
Between September and mid-October, spiders are highly active as they go in search of a worthy mate to lay eggs with.
During this quest for love, they are likely to be finding their way into homes as well as cars.
This change of season raises concerns among passenger safety experts, who warn that these eight-legged stowaways could pose more than just a creepy inconvenience.
If things get serious, accidents could occur and drivers could face up to nine penalty points and a £2500 fine for careless driving - or worse depending on the incident.
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It won't be a good defence to say you were scared by a spider that's probably long gone.
Tim Maule, CEO and child safety expert at Diono, said: "As we head back to school and transition into autumn, parents and caregivers need to be aware of the increased likelihood of spiders in their vehicles.
"Our primary concern is always child passenger road safety, and even small distractions can have serious consequences. The distraction and stress caused by unexpected spider encounters while driving can pose significant risks."
Earlier this year in Cambridgeshire, a car had ended up flipped onto its roof after the driver claimed they had been 'spooked by a spider'.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported but this highlights the serious consequences of reacting in terror whilst trapped and in control of a car.
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There are a few things you can do to make sure your car stays spider-free. Most of them are quick and easy to do on a regular basis.
Regular inspections are "crucial", claims Tim. He said: "Before each journey, take a moment to check your child's car seat for any signs of spider activity. Pay special attention to crevices and corners where spiders might hide or drop onto you, such as sun visors."
Ensuring your car is free of crumbs and clutter will also help as these can attract spiders.
Tim points out that "spiders are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas" so regular cleaning not only deters spiders but also ensures your child's seating area remains hygienic.
Also, there are plenty of 'home hacks' hitting the headlines lately to make spiders think twice about entering your space. Tim said that there's no reason these cannot work in the car as well.
He explained taking these steps can prevent any dangerous situations from happening.
"While most spiders we encounter aren't dangerous, their presence can cause significant stress, especially for children who may have fears or allergies," he added.
"A sudden spider appearance can startle a driver or upset a child, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road. By taking preventative measures, we can minimise these risks and ensure a safer journey for everyone."
