Road users ignore winter weather warnings

Almost half of road users would make journeys in spite of severe weather warnings, according to Highway Agency research.

The research also found that a fifth of those questioned do not check weather warnings before travelling on the roads, while one in ten people do not listen to the radio for warnings while driving.

Over 40% of those questioned also failed to check their water and oil levels before making a trip during winter months, while 30% also failed to check they had enough anti-freeze, the research also found.

Chief Highways Engineer, Ginny Clarke, said: "We want road users to be better prepared, to carry the right equipment and to take note of the information we and the Met Office are providing, so that they can make better decisions on whether they need to travel when the weather is bad."

Earlier this week, the Met Office warned that Britain faced another spell of wintry weather over the weekend and into next week. Snow, sub-zero temperatures and ice are all forecast in what the Met Office said could be "the most significant period of winter weather yet this season".

The Highways Agency and the Department for Transport's Think road safety campaign recommend the following top tips for safe driving in wintry weather:

• Make sure you are prepared for bad weather conditions;
• Check weather forecasts and listen to travel information while driving;
• Carry a 'winter weather' kit
• Exercise caution around winter service vehicles;
• Allow extra time to slow down and stop in icy conditions
• Use a high gear, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh breaking and acceleration.

The Agency said that many drivers were not sufficiently prepared for bad weather, with only a third saying they would carry any form of extra winter weather equipment in their vehicle.

The Agency recommends that all road users should carry such a kit – containing warm clothes, food, water, boots, de-icer, a torch and a spade – during winter months.

The research found that less than half of those questioned would carry warm clothes in their vehicle, while less than a third would take food and drink with them on their journey.

(KMcA/SP)