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13/11/2007
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency.
A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
The survey also found that only 40% of over-65s would continue their journey, while 65% of 18-24s would.
A third of respondents also admitted that they would not check their vehicle or their route before setting out.
However, the Highways Agency said that it was "concerned" that just over half of all those interviewed (53%) said that they would continue with their journey regardless of a severe weather warning.
The publication of the findings coincided with the launch of a new campaign on safe driving in severe weather, which reminds drivers not to be complacent despite the recent mild weather.
Launching the campaign, the Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, said: "The recent mild weather brings a risk that drivers could be lulled into a false sense of security. So, the Highways Agency is offering a timely reminder to road users to plan their journeys and listen out for weather warnings.
"The British winter is not just about ice and snow. As we have seen this year, heavy rain, strong winds and fog are as much a part of the British climate and they can make driving hazardous.
"The Highways Agency is working in partnership with the Met Office and others to give up-to-date information about road and weather conditions for England's motorways and major A roads.
"So make sure you and your vehicle are ready for winter. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a cold, wet or windy motorway hard shoulder. If bad weather arrives, slow down and adapt your driving to suit the conditions. Keep up to date by listening to the travel news while you are on the road, and if conditions get too bad, find a safe place to break your journey until the weather improves."
(KMcA)
A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
The survey also found that only 40% of over-65s would continue their journey, while 65% of 18-24s would.
A third of respondents also admitted that they would not check their vehicle or their route before setting out.
However, the Highways Agency said that it was "concerned" that just over half of all those interviewed (53%) said that they would continue with their journey regardless of a severe weather warning.
The publication of the findings coincided with the launch of a new campaign on safe driving in severe weather, which reminds drivers not to be complacent despite the recent mild weather.
Launching the campaign, the Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, said: "The recent mild weather brings a risk that drivers could be lulled into a false sense of security. So, the Highways Agency is offering a timely reminder to road users to plan their journeys and listen out for weather warnings.
"The British winter is not just about ice and snow. As we have seen this year, heavy rain, strong winds and fog are as much a part of the British climate and they can make driving hazardous.
"The Highways Agency is working in partnership with the Met Office and others to give up-to-date information about road and weather conditions for England's motorways and major A roads.
"So make sure you and your vehicle are ready for winter. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a cold, wet or windy motorway hard shoulder. If bad weather arrives, slow down and adapt your driving to suit the conditions. Keep up to date by listening to the travel news while you are on the road, and if conditions get too bad, find a safe place to break your journey until the weather improves."
(KMcA)
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08 November 2011
Roads Minister Urges Drives To 'Take Time'
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and prepare for severe weather. The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans.
Roads Minister Urges Drives To 'Take Time'
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and prepare for severe weather. The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans.
23 February 2004
Drivers warned to be prepared for cold snap
The Highways Agency has today reminded drivers to be prepared ahead of this week's wintry weather conditions, and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. The agency said that it would have its gritting fleet out on the England's motorways and other strategic roads in preparation for the cold snap.
Drivers warned to be prepared for cold snap
The Highways Agency has today reminded drivers to be prepared ahead of this week's wintry weather conditions, and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. The agency said that it would have its gritting fleet out on the England's motorways and other strategic roads in preparation for the cold snap.
21 February 2005
Heavy snow expected across Britain
Drivers are being warned to be extra cautious as the UK faces a weeklong spell of treacherous winter weather. Heavy snow is expected across the UK and the Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for northeast England, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
Heavy snow expected across Britain
Drivers are being warned to be extra cautious as the UK faces a weeklong spell of treacherous winter weather. Heavy snow is expected across the UK and the Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for northeast England, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
20 December 2010
More Snow In Week Ahead
The icy weather shows no sign of loosening its grip on the UK over the next few days, with further snow in some areas potentially leading to disruption to travel networks.
More Snow In Week Ahead
The icy weather shows no sign of loosening its grip on the UK over the next few days, with further snow in some areas potentially leading to disruption to travel networks.
01 December 2010
Freezing Temperatures Wreak Havoc
The Met Office has issued heavy snow and ice warnings for most of the eastern and central areas of Britain, with up to 15cm of snow expected in some areas. The news comes as freezing temperatures continue to cause major problems for rail and air passengers, while many roads across the UK are gridlocked.
Freezing Temperatures Wreak Havoc
The Met Office has issued heavy snow and ice warnings for most of the eastern and central areas of Britain, with up to 15cm of snow expected in some areas. The news comes as freezing temperatures continue to cause major problems for rail and air passengers, while many roads across the UK are gridlocked.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
