- Survey finds drivers stick to travel plans despite severe
weather, traffic and dashboard light warnings
- 18% drive in red weather warnings despite threat to life
- 75% would drive in amber weather warnings
- Fuel cost and roadworks more off-putting than weather
- 2% said nothing would ever make them change travel plans
With an impending cold snap and snow warnings issued, from
Tuesday evening toward the end of the week*, the AA is advising
drivers to plan ahead and to heed weather warnings before
venturing out onto the roads.
Nearly two-fifths (18%) admitted they would not change their
driving plans despite a red weather warning, according to a
survey of 13,000 drivers**.
Drivers were asked which of the following external factors would
make them change their driving plans, including weather warnings,
roadworks, traffic alerts, bank holidays, and fuel costs as well
as personal factors like sleeping badly the night before.
Weather warnings
Shockingly 2% said nothing would ever make them change their
driving plans. If those respondents stuck to their guns during a
red weather warning it could lead to an equivalent of 720,000
drivers*** in the UK putting themselves and others at risk by
driving in adverse weather conditions.
The Met Office weather service issues red warnings
when there is a risk to life and substantial disruption including
for travel as well as damage to property and infrastructure. It
says you should take action to keep yourself and others safe from
the impact of severe weather.
Three-quarters (75%) said they would not change their plans if
there was an amber weather warning.
Amber warnings are issued by the Met Office when there is
increased likelihood of disruption from severe weather with a
potential risk to life, bringing the possibility of travel
delays, power cuts and road or rail closures****.
Ignoring car warning lights
The research found 19% of drivers would not change their plans if
their car displayed a red dashboard warning light, like a battery
warning light, and 58% would ignore amber warning lights – such
as the ‘check engine’ symbol.
A dashboard warning light can often be one of the first signs of
a problem with your vehicle but ignoring one can make the problem
even worse. Reacting to a warning light early can often save you
money and prevent inconvenience later on.
Fuel saving before safety
Interestingly, the survey found drivers were more likely to
change their plans due to high fuel costs or severe roadworks
than an amber weather warning issued by the Met Office.
More than a third (35%) said they would change driving plans due
to the high cost of fuel and nearly half would take heed of
severe roadworks (48%).
Mark Born head of training at the AA Driving
School said: “Winter weather brings challenging road conditions
as storms and fog bring poor visibility, while wind, rain and
snow can make road surfaces difficult to navigate with an
increased risk of debris on the road.
“Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, always drive to the
conditions and allow extra time for your journey as there may be
delays. We recommend packing winter essentials in the car such as
warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, torch, fully charged mobile
phone and a flask of hot drink.”
Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year said:
“Understanding the impact that adverse weather and poor car
maintenance can have on road safety is an important part of being
a safe and capable driver.
“If you choose to ignore national warnings about dangerous
weather conditions and don’t adapt your driving style or travel
plans, you are needlessly putting yourself and your passengers at
risk.
“Similarly, if you’re not maintaining your car and ignore
dashboard warning lights this could lead to a costly repair bill
or untimely breakdown. Keeping up to date on servicing and paying
attention to national warnings and alerts for winter weather can
prevent a plethora of issues further down the road.”
Read more about winter driving: theaa.com/driving-advice/seasonal/winter
Find the AA’s winter travel checklist at theaa.com/driving-advice/seasonal/winter-checklist
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
*Cold Weather-alert - Met
Office
**AA-Yonder survey of 13,068 adults between 11th and 19th
October 2022. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council
and abides by its rules.
***Calculation based on an estimated 36 million UK full driving
licence holders. Department for Transport Statistics – National
Travel Survey (NTS0201).
***www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/warnings
