Over 4 million cars on UK roads are only cleaned out once a year or less, creating unhygienic and dangerous driving conditions. The startling figure is highlighted in research released by the AA, to draw attention to the dangers of these 'clutter cans' and encourage motorists to get Clean up their act.

Whilst 54% of Brits clean their homes on a weekly basis, nearly half (46%) confess they only de-clutter their car's interior once every six months, unaware that seemingly harmless in-car litter can put motorists and passengers at unnecessary risk, including:

• Bottles rolling under pedals impeding braking, acceleration and gear changes
• Dirty windows obscuring vision
• Discarded toys transforming into dangerous missiles when travelling at speed

To help motorists the UK's largest breakdown organisation is advising drivers to complete a regular ‘muck-free MOT’ on their vehicles, encouraging car owners to store and secure loose items and remove surplus clutter on a regular basis.

The survey of over 1300 motorists also showed that non-essential items are taking precedence over key car maintenance tools. Worryingly, CD cases and umbrellas were more likely to be stored in-car than vital items such as jump leads or a torch – leaving drivers potentially vulnerable in a breakdown situation. Of particular concern to the AA are the UK's younger drivers (aged 17-24) who are the least prepared for an emergency, with a change of clothes, CDs, work documents, food, drink and magazines all taking precedence over essential maintenance items.

But it's not just teens who are guilty of dirty driving, when delving further into the glove compartments and under the seats of the nation's motors, the AA has found that over two-thirds (67%) of motorists across all ages are harbouring copious amounts of rubbish in their cars.