Millions of motorists stop driving during the winter

Gareth Herincx

4 days ago
Auto News

Peugeot-208-driving-n-the-snow

One in five drivers avoid the roads altogether during the colder months due to concerns over slippery roads and limited visibility.

However, anxieties about driving aren’t limited to the winter — with a third (32 per cent) of adults admitting they don’t like driving in the dark all year round.

And 21 per cent of drivers said they dislike driving on country roads the most, followed by motorways as a close second (18 per cent).

While 14 per cent of motorists said city centre roads make them feel uneasy and 13 per cent hate roundabouts.

The research of 2,000 motorists, commissioned by Zego, also found that 62 per cent would not like to be a delivery driver during the winter and Christmas period, especially having to drive in such difficult conditions.

Nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) are planning on doing their Christmas shopping online this year to avoid having to drive to the shops in the winter weather.

A massive 79 per cent said road traffic accidents they have experienced had put them off driving in the winter months, with more than half saying they are more cautious when driving in harsher conditions like heavy rain or snow.

“It is interesting to see how so many people hate driving through the winter months,” said Sten Saar, CEO of the commercial motor insurer.

“There are more cars on the road because of the Christmas period which naturally means there are more accidents. The weather conditions in particular don’t help.

“It is important to be cautious this time of year and to think about those who have no choice but to drive in such conditions because of their job.

“We are proud to insure the couriers who supply and feed us throughout the darker months, working a job many of us would be scared to do.”

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