SNOW JOKE: ONE IN THREE UK DRIVERS ADMIT TO BAD WEATHER BUNK OFF

In a nationwide survey, webuyanycar.com looked to find out everything worth knowing about how we handle winter driving

A third of drivers admitted to being forced to take a day off work due to winter weather, according to a survey commissioned by webuyanycar.com

Out of the 2,000 participants, a further one in six indicated they had rescheduled an appointment due to difficult driving conditions, with one in ten confirming that concern about the weather had made them had put party plans on ice.

The survey, released during a period where Brits have had to endure particularly testing conditions - with Storm Brenda, Ciara and Dennis already causing havoc this year and Storm Jorge set to be rage this weekend - also highlighted significant regional differences between UK drivers.

Drivers reported as most effected by adverse weather conditions were those in Northern Ireland, with 61.91% of respondents confirming they had missed a day of work or more.

This was closely followed by motorists based in the South West (57.22%), Scotland (56.28%) and Wales (54.69%).

In comparison, car users along the East coast reported a more steadfast spirit, with just over 40% of respondents in the North-East and South-East suggesting they had skipped work owing to the weather.

Are we prepared for the worst?

The survey also looked at how prepared drivers were for the worst that the UK's weather system can throw at them.

And whilst 83% confirmed they had an ice scrapper, a quarter of drivers admitted to not preparing for bad weather.

This included only 63% indicating they kept a mobile phone charger with them, 60% saying they had a torch and just 57% confirming they had a first aid kit, all items listed as winter essentials by The AA.

The AA also advise drivers to keep a spare set of warm clothes, food and drink and a shovel on hand in the event of winter emergency, however having these items on hand proved even less common amongst motorists.

Only one in four stowed a shovel in their boot, whilst under a third said they kept a supply of emergency food or drink.

64% of those surveyed confirmed their car had a spare tyre.

UK Drivers remain confident in icy conditions

Despite these headline statistics, 70% of drivers asked described themselves as 'confident' when driving in icy conditions.

However, that a similar number of respondents (66%) admitted to having "lost control of their car in bad weather" might show that confidence as misplaced.

Those that had driven for 25 years or more, were most confident of their ability, with 75% suggesting they could handle the worst that mother nature could throw at them.

This compares to 12% of drivers with less than a year's experience, who had already had an accident due to poor weather.

But by and large, motorists were trusting of their vehicles on ice, with three quarters "having faith" their cars would handle adverse conditions.

Winter driving A, B, C's

Brake advise motorists to consider their A, B, C's when it comes to winter driving.

In particularly adverse conditions, the road safety charity suggest drivers consider whether their journey at all.

"If possible, Avoid driving in snow other treacherous conditions.

"Never set off when it's snowing heavily or if it's forecast to snow, and avoid driving if you possibly can in other bad conditions like for, heavy rain and ice."

However, if making a journey is unavoidable, Brake's secondary advice is to Be Prepared.

"Even if you avoid setting off in dangerous weather conditions, you could get caught out so be prepared."

As well as ensuring your vehicle is well maintained, Brake also advise to consider the route you take beforehand.

"Check forecasts and plan your route carefully. In bad weather, major roads are more likely to be cleared and gritted."

Brake's final tips for staying safe in bad weather include to "slow right down" and "maintain a safe gap" from those ahead of you as part of a Careful, cautious driving technique.

"In wet conditions you should leave four seconds.

"Stopping distances are double in the wet, and can be 10 times greater in icy weather."

Whatever your driving plans this weekend, we wish you a safe, comfortable and enjoyable journey. 

Our thanks goes to Manchester based, Outreach & PR firm, Custard.co.uk for providing us with a link to the headline information within this article.