Winter is here, and Brits hate it

Driver Guides 

It’s that time of year again. Time to break out the de-icer and deal with the horror of having to drag yourself out of bed early on cold and dark mornings just to make sure your car is safe to drive. Winter is upon us once again, and according to a recent survey it seems us Brits really don’t like driving at this time of year.

Research conducted by Isuzu UK has revealed some shocking results regarding British drivers’ attitudes towards winter driving.

As we head into the depths of another winter, a survey of 2,000 drivers has revealed the dread many UK motorists feel at the thought of driving in challenging seasonal conditions.

The newly released research reveals that almost three-quarters (73%) feel worried or anxious about driving in wintry, icy, or cold conditions, while more than two-thirds (68%) have refused to drive either many times or on the odd occasion, when it’s cold, wet or snowing.

Somewhat surprisingly, the study also found that the age group most likely to refuse to drive in bad weather was the younger generation of motorists. Far from exhibiting the “recklessness of youth”, more than eight-in-ten (83%) aged between 18-29 have refused to get behind the wheel in these conditions, compared to just 62% of those aged 60+. It turns out that experience really is an important factor.

Geography also plays a part in the results too

The study reveals the cities where motorists are most, or least, likely to get stressed as the weather takes a turn for the worse, making driving conditions more challenging for some.

Drivers in Bristol appear the most ‘chilled’ winter drivers, but even there, over half of drivers (61%) admit to feeling anxiety. That sounds like a lot until you compare it to the top five locations with the most nervous winter drivers. Plymouth came top on 83%, followed by Liverpool (82%), London (79%), and Stoke-on-Trent (77%). Newcastle, Norwich, and Oxford shared fifth place with 76% of drivers expressing reluctance to tackle the worst of the winter conditions.

In terms of the details, the survey reveals the top five reasons that make us hate driving during the winter:

1. The risk of ice – 60%
2. Freezing rain/snow reducing visibility – 48%
3. Low sun shining in face – 43%
4. Getting stuck in the snow – 40%
5. Fog – 39%

Of course, if you’re properly prepared for the conditions there’s no reason why any journey can’t be tackled safely.

While challenging conditions can make driving more difficult and treacherous than usual, a little bit of planning and preparation can go a long way to minimising the risks. As a minimum, you should be checking your fuel or battery levels as well as oil, screenwash, and lights. Keeping an eye on the latest weather forecast should also be an essential part of journey planning.

You can also avoid a lot of potential trouble for yourself and ensure you don’t put additional strain on emergency and recovery crews by following a few simple rules for winter driving.

Follow these guidelines for safer winter driving

• In snowy or icy conditions, don’t drive if you don’t need to. If you do have to drive, ensure your car is properly equipped for the likely conditions.
  
  
• Listen for weather updates and plan your travel accordingly.
  
  
• Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before you set off, just in case you need to call for help.
  
  
• Keep speeds down, leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front, don’t overtake snowploughs and gritter trucks, and be ready for a sudden change in conditions.
  
  
• Remember that driving in winter conditions can be hard work, so ensure you take plenty of breaks on longer journeys.
  
  
• It’s always worth packing a few essentials in case you get stuck, such as a warm coat, a shovel, charging cables, water, and snacks.

---

View our latest blog posts