Millions of motorists increase the risk of road accidents by driving dirty cars

Before starting a journey 81 percent never check to see if their headlights are clean, with 63 percent not checking that their wing mirrors are clean. Motor spokesperson Emma Holyer for LV said: "Making sure that your windscreen, lights and mirrors are clean before setting off on a journey should be second nature to motorists, but our research shows that this doesn't appear to be the case despite it being a legal requirement."

Ms Holyer also warned "Keeping loose items in the car could lead to avoidable accidents such as rubbish getting trapped under the pedals whilst you are driving. Not to mention the fact that items such as mp3 players, clothes and sunglasses may attract all sorts of unwanted attention that could put your car at risk of theft" or vehicle damage.

Results showed that women motorists are the worst for leaving clutter around the vehicle with things like maps, CDs, make-up, books, clothes, magazines, mp3 players, shoes, children's toys, bottles, cans, food packaging and hair brushes being left loose