Motorists ignoring advice to stay off the roads in bad weather
Research shows that a third of drivers disregard safety advice in winter, with less than half taking precautions against getting stuck on their journey
A third of motorists in the UK admit to ignoring advice to stay off the road during bad weather, research has revealed.
A survey of 18,547 drivers by AA Tyres has revealed 33 per cent choose to drive in bad conditions, despite warnings to avoid doing so unless absolutely necessary.
Many also fail to prepare for possibly stuck in the snow, with 51 per cent not carrying warm clothing and suitable footwear while just 21 per cent have a shovel or spade in their car over winter.
Despite this, most still carry out basic vehicle checks, with 65 per cent claiming to check the condition and pressure of their tyres regularly during winter, while 67 per cent make sure their lights are fully functioning before starting a journey.
Simon Benson, director of motoring services at AA Tyres, said: “It seems that many drivers had been banking on Britain’s stereotypically unpredictable weather staying subdued this winter, but adverse weather has already caused widespread disruption across the country.
“Although our research found that the vast majority of drivers carried out three or more preparations to get ready for any sudden changes in weather, Brits should beware of overlooking important safety precautions as the temperature starts to drop.”
A yellow weather warning has been issued across the country by the Met Office for today and tomorrow, meaning ice is expected to form on road surfaces — with the likelihood of dangerous, low-grip stretches on ungritted country lanes.
The AA attended over 14,000 breakdowns on December 10, following wide-spread snowfall.
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “Many of the roads out there are horrendous today due to the extreme icy conditions, so drivers need to adapt their driving style, slow down and keep a much greater distance.”
