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News >Research on driving in bad weather

MVA carries out research on driving in bad weather for the Highways Agency

IN BAD WEATHER, DRIVERS FEAR ACCIDENTS AND OTHER PEOPLE GOING TOO FAST SAYS HIGHWAYS AGENCY'S RESEARCH

HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release (E165/05) issued by the Government News Network on 20 December 2005

Having an accident is the biggest fear of drivers when severe winter weather strikes, alongside concerns about other people driving too fast and the risk of skidding on ice.

Three out of four people who drive to work would still be likely to try to make their journey despite severe weather, while only one in four would be likely to go shopping or to visit friends.

The findings come from new research into drivers' attitudes commissioned by the Highways Agency, which is responsible for England's motorways and major A roads.

Commenting on the results, Dr Stephen Ladyman, the Minister for Roads, said:

"These findings underline that it's vital for drivers to make sure they are ready for severe winter weather, especially during the festive season when people are setting out on longer journeys to visit family and friends.

"If the weather gets bad then change how you drive. Slow down and keep extra room between vehicles because it takes longer to stop in wet or icy conditions. Watch out for reduced visibility in fog, heavy rain and spray.

"If you are planning a long journey this winter, check your route and the weather forecast before you set out. Listen to the travel news while you are on the road. If the weather becomes severe, don't drive unless you have to - delay your journey until it improves."

The Highways Agency advises drivers to be prepared for winter by making sure their vehicle is ready with a winter emergency kit - warm clothes and boots, food, a drink, de-icer and an ice-scraper, a torch, a first aid kit and, for the worst conditions, a spade.

The Highways Agency's fleet of gritters is on stand-by and goes into action every time freezing temperatures are forecast to treat the strategic road network against the effects of ice and snow. Maintenance crews can work on shifts for 24 hours a day if necessary if severe weather strikes.

The new research by independent market researchers MVA was commissioned by the Highways Agency to find out what factors influence people to stay off the roads when severe winter weather is forecast.

The research also found that:

- women drivers react differently to severe conditions than men. If children are with them, 40 per cent of women say they are likely to decide not to travel in severe weather, compared to 26 per cent of men.

- drivers are more likely to cancel their journey during snow or icy weather than because of other weather conditions such as fog or storms.

Researchers also asked drivers about their views on the variable message signs on motorways, used to provide up-to-date information to drivers. Most people would leave the road at the next opportunity if instructed to by the variable message signs. However one in ten would try to complete their journey regardless of the information on the signs.

This winter, the Highways Agency is working closely with the Met Office to help drivers to plan their journeys and arrive safely.

For information about road conditions:

* HA website - www.highways.gov.uk
* Highways Agency Information Line 0845 7504030

For weather conditions:
* Met Office website - www.metoffice.gov.uk
* Local radio broadcasts

Information for Editors:

1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It manages, maintains and improves England's motorways and trunk roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. The Highways Agency commissioned the new research as part of its work to better understand travel and driving behaviour during severe weather. Full details of the MVA study are available from the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/documents/Winter_Weather_Report.pdf
3. The Highways Agency traffic information website is at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo.
4. For real-time traffic information, the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated telephone service is on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more)
5. For general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency information line on 08457 50 40 30 (Calls from BT landlines to 0845 numbers will cost no more than 4p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more. Service operates: 8am to 8pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm weekends).

Stay safe on the roads this winter

Winter weather makes driving dangerous - but you can stay safer by following six important messages from the Highways Agency and the Department for Transport's Think road safety campaign:
1. In winter, our weather can change quickly. If there is severe weather don't travel unless your journey is essential. If you must drive, always be prepared for bad weather.
2. Plan your journey before you go. Check your route for delays and check the weather forecast. While you are driving listen to travel news on the radio. Information about current road conditions is on the Highways Agency's website http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo/.
3. In case you get stuck, keep these things in your car:
* Warm clothes
* Food and water
* Boots
* De-icer
* Torch
* Spade
4. Take care around gritters and vehicles that clear snow. Only overtake them if you can do so safely and without going on to uncleared snow.
5. It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so allow more room to slow down and stop.
6. To avoid losing control of your car because of wheel spin, use the highest gear that you can. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.

Issued on behalf of the Highways Agency by Government News Network East.