Drivers adorning their cars with jewel-encrusted dice, fluffy steering wheel covers, or other car accessories may want to reconsider their automotive d?cor. Swinton, a leading U.K.-based insurer, has found that the precarious placement of such accoutrements can actually put motorists in danger and potentially increase car accident risks.

British drivers reportedly spend $460 million each year on car accessories. Swinton found that in the last two years, an astounding five percent of its motor accident insurance claims have involved car accessories that either distracted drivers or obstructed motorists' views. For instance, fluffy dice dangling from a rear-view mirror can distract a driver for just a spilt second, thereby causing an accident.

“The number of accidents caused by car accessories is frightening,” said a spokesperson for Swinton. “While it is great that motorists can personalize their wheels, caution should be exercised to ensure that these accessories do not interfere with driving. We had one case involving a female who accidentally set her fluffy steering-wheel cover afire when lighting a cigarette. Luckily, she was unharmed. However, the interior of her car incurred extensive smoke damage.”