29 November 2023
Met Office weather warnings predict sleet and snow for many parts of the UK. However, a third of drivers will ignore a red weather warning and three in five an amber one, an AA survey reveals.
For that reason, the AA is advising drivers to be fully prepared if they decide to take the risk with wintry driving conditions and head out on the roads.
Last week’s survey of 12,187* drivers showed that 33% of respondents would ignore a Red weather warning for snow while 62% would continue with their plans to drive following an Amber warning for snow.
It’s a similar story where driving in sleet is concerned, with just a fifth (21%) of respondents likely to heed an Amber weather warning and only half (49%) saying they’d leave the car at home following a Red warning of sleet.
Nearly 500 road users (487) have been killed or seriously injured in road accidents in the snow between 2017 and last year. However, the likelihood of a fatal or serious injury on a snowy Monday is half that of other days of the week, AA analysis shows.
Government figures show that 70 people were killed or seriously injured on snow-hit roads last year, the third highest since 2017 compared to 96 in 2021 and a truly horrendous 187 in 2018.
The 37% higher toll in 2021, compared to 2022, came when the UK exited covid lockdowns and people re-honed their driving skills.
ROAD CASUALTIES IN THE SNOW (Killed or Seriously Injured)
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2017-19 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020-21 | 2022 | TOTAL | |
| Mon | 1 | 9 | 1 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 4 | 31 |
| Tues | 4 | 43 | 11 | 58 | 8 | 11 | 19 | 8 | 85 |
| Weds | 4 | 35 | 12 | 51 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 6 | 70 |
| Thurs | 8 | 31 | 5 | 44 | 6 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 76 |
| Fri | 28 | 16 | 10 | 54 | 1 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 80 |
| Sat | 5 | 28 | 5 | 38 | 0 | 22 | 22 | 14 | 74 |
| Sun | 9 | 25 | 3 | 37 | 3 | 21 | 24 | 10 | 71 |
| TOTALS | 59 | 187 | 47 | 293 | 28 | 96 | 124 | 70 | 487 |
Source: Department for Transport, road accidents and safety statistics
“It’s clear that many people will risk their vehicles and themselves on wintry roads – even when the worst weather is predicted”
Nick Powell, AA Patrol of the Year, says: “It’s clear that many people will risk their vehicles and themselves on wintry roads – even when the worst weather is predicted. The AA will be out on patrol as usual but there are some simple and common sense precautions drivers need to take to avoid a winter nightmare in the first place.
“As outside temperatures start to drop, it’s important to allow extra time for your journey. Use some of this time to properly de-ice your vehicle windows and clear snow from the lights. Driving with an obscured view can land you with a hefty fine and can lead to disqualification from driving.
“On a frosty morning, hazards like black ice can prove lethal if you don’t adjust your speed and driving style in colder weather. Always leave plenty of space behind other vehicles as stopping distances can be 10 times longer on icy roads. Checking your tyre pressures and tread depth is essential to help keep you safe on the road.”
Powell adds: “Allowing extra time can also help if you encounter delays to your normal routes. In addition to checking your oil, anti-freeze and windscreen washer fluid levels - make sure you pack winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, and a flask of hot drink. Keep your mobile phone fully charged and download the free AA breakdown app in addition to what3words to help our patrols get to you quicker.
“Take heed of warning lights in your vehicle and make sure you check it regularly if you drive less in the winter. Having sufficient breakdown cover can offer peace of mind if the worst should happen. Flat batteries are one of the top breakdowns we attend in cold weather and can be avoided by regular car maintenance.”
Further advice on winter driving is available here and a winter travel checklist can be found at theaa.com/driving-advice/seasonal/winter-checklist
Live traffic updates are available at theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news
*Yonder received 12,187 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 13th – 21st November 2023. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.