A prominent GP has issued a stark warning to drivers saying that if they don't keep their cars clean, they may be more likely to catch a winter bug.
Television doctor, Sarah Jarvis, stated that leaving litter strewn around a vehicle can lead to the growth and spread of bacteria, which can then cause illness.
She recommended that drivers thoroughly clean their cars this November before the winter season begins, as reported by Hull Live.
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Research has indicated that almost 30% of motorists admitted their vehicle is unclean, and 38% stated that others have commented on the messiness of their car.
Among the litter that polled, drivers admitted to keeping in their car used tissues, coffee cups, and loose wrappers.
Tomato sauce packets, sandwich containers and dog biscuits are also common fixtures in dirty vehicles, with one-in-twenty people admitting to not cleaning up spilt food and drink on their seats.
According to Dr Sarah, all of these pose a potential health risk this winter - and recommended drivers make an effort to keep their car clean.
She said: “We all want to try and keep kids occupied in the car but giving them a snack that could melt or drop crumbs, could create a breeding ground for bacteria, especially in car seats that have hidden nooks and crannies.
“Early November is the perfect time of year to deep clean your car”, she continued.
“After the rush of half-term activities and with the children back to school, it is a good opportunity to reset and get yourself organised to try and avoid winter bugs.”
The study revealed that parents in the UK spend on average just over 2 and a half hours a week ferrying their kids to and from school.
33% of people said they would like to keep the car cleaner but struggle to find the time, while 24% try to keep back seats hygienic but blame their kids for messing them up.
In fact, 7% of the Britons polled admitted there’s rotting food in the backseats, thanks to their children dropping their snacks everywhere - and 38% admitted they’ve never actually considered how much bacteria is probably lurking there.
Almost a third of people said that although they used to wash their parents’ car for pocket money back in the day, their own kids wouldn’t dream of doing the same.
