Many people in the UK would have woken up to a frosty car yesterday as temperatures dropped across the country.
But with winter’s grip firmly taking hold, it may surprise you that nearly two-thirds of drivers (63%) do not check their anti-freeze, oil or water before setting off on a winter journey.
And almost half of drivers (45%) don’t do any winter checks at all on their vehicle.
A new Highways Agency survey asked over 1,000 drivers what kind of checks they make before winter journeys, they found:
- Less than half (41%) check their lights before setting out
- Some 53% of drivers don’t have warm clothes in their car in case of emergency
- Fewer than half (42%) of drivers carry de-icer in their vehicle
- Almost two-thirds (64%) don’t carry drinking water
Following the results of the Annual Road User Satisfaction Survey, the Agency is encouraging road users to spend a few minutes making sure they, and their vehicle, are fully prepared for severe weather.
Roads Minister, John Hayes, said: “Just a couple of minutes of preparation, making important vehicle checks and giving yourself extra time to plan your journey before you set off, can ensure you and your fellow road users have a safe trip this winter.”
When it comes to potential emergencies, a third of drivers said they carry a warm drink, while around the same number (32%) take food, and (37%) said they packed a blanket.
As a result, the Agency is encouraging drivers to make an emergency kit a priority for their vehicles.
John McTaggart, Head of On-Road Services for the Highways Agency, said: “Drivers should really keep an emergency winter kit in their vehicle, in case something goes wrong during a winter journey.
“Crucial items like warm clothing, food, warm drinks, a road atlas, shovel, torch, ice-scraper and de-icer could really help if your vehicle breaks down in bad weather.
“In particularly severe weather, drivers need to consider whether their journey is truly necessary. If you really must travel, be sure to check weather and traffic conditions and plan your journey before setting out.”