Half of drivers unprepared for winter driving

New research form the Highways Agency shows that nearly half of UK drivers are unprepared for winter driving conditions.

In a survey of motorists across the UK that 28% of drivers don’t carry any of the suggested emergency kit in poor conditions and 45% don’t check their vehicle before driving in poor conditions.

In the South West it was found that a quarter of motorists don’t even carry de-icer when in the most severe weather conditions.

The Highways Agency is part of a campaign to ‘Make Time for Winter’ by asking drivers to prepare themselves and their vehicles to help keep the roads running smoothly.
 
Roads Minister Robert Goodwill says: “The Highways Agency does all it can to keep the roads open during severe weather.

“But drivers need to play their part too by making simple vehicle checks, carrying a few important items and planning their journeys according to the weather.

“In very severe weather, drivers need to consider whether their journey is really necessary.”

The chance of a repeat of the adverse weather conditions of previous years has seen organisations step up planning in case of snow.

Highways Agency Service Delivery Leader for Devon and Cornwall, Alexis Field, says: “The Highways Agency is well-prepared for ice and snow in the South West.
“We have 20 salt spreading vehicles, ploughs and snow blowers, and 10,600 tonnes of salt already in stock in Devon and Cornwall.

“Using detailed weather forecasts, we treat the road network before road temperatures fall below freezing – often at night in preparation for peak traffic periods.

“But that doesn’t mean people should drive as they normally would – they still need to take care, as they would during any kind of adverse weather, and plan ahead.

“Drivers should not be lulled into a false sense of security just because they have their heaters on inside their vehicles. Conditions may be much colder outside with freezing road temperatures leading to icy surfaces.”
 
For more advice on being ready for severe weather, visit the ‘Make Time for Winter’ pages at: www.highways.gov.uk/winter.

For detailed information on local and national weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk.