Motorists unprepared for bad weather

Motorists are being urged to adapt to winter driving and better prepare their cars for the possibility of adverse weather conditions.

A new survey carried out by Kwik Fit has shown that large proportions of motorists don’t take the proper precautions for the season, such as driving at a slower speed.

The survey showed that almost four in 10 motorists don't drive any slower despite bad weather, whilst 35% refused to increase the braking room in front of their cars, and less than half (45%) regularly cleaned their headlights.

The survey also showed that, regardless of being caught out by bad weather in previous years, just a third of people carried any sort of emergency kit in their cars.

Although components such as batteries and brakes are most likely to fail in the winter months, less than one in five said that they got them checked throughout the season.

Meanwhile, only 5% made the switch to special cold weather tyres during prolonged bad weather, despite them granting an extra stopping distance of 11-metres when travelling over ice at 20mph.

Speaking about the survey’s results, Kwik Fit’s communications director, Roger Giggs, said: “The chance of having an accident in winter is significantly higher than in summer, but it appears that many drivers are not taking simple measures which will keep them safer on the roads.

“A few regular checks will help prepare their cars for winter journeys, while slowing down slightly and leaving a greater distance on the road will give them more time to react if they need to.

“And, of course, having tyres and brakes in top condition will mean that when they do have to react, they are more likely to be able to stay in control of their car.”

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