A new survey has found that drivers are not taking basic precautions to help them cope with bad weather, despite falling temperatures and the onset of wintry conditions.

The poll carried out for Garmin, the sat nav manufacturer, found that an overwhelming number of young drivers (18 – 24 year-olds) said they’re not prepared for winter driving (57%) despite planning to cover the most miles over the Christmas period visiting friends and family. The rest of the population fared a little better, but overall just over one third of motorists still confessed to being ill-prepared (34%).

Drivers across the UK were asked how prepared they think they are for winter driving and given the examples of simple measures such as keeping a blanket in the car, carrying spare windscreen wash, a spade or ensuring their breakdown cover was up-to-date. Overall, only 15% of drivers said they are ‘very prepared’ while 50% believe they are ‘somewhat prepared’ for wintry conditions.

Drivers in Yorkshire and the Humber fared better than most with 21% saying they are ‘very prepared’ (46% somewhat prepared), compared to 6% being ‘very prepared’ in the North West (53% somewhat prepared). Male drivers also seemed more winter-ready with 18% saying they are very prepared (56% somewhat) compared to 12% of female drivers (45% somewhat). On a more positive note, 50% of drivers interviewed in the poll said they are ‘somewhat prepared’, so there are signs that some of us are beginning to plan for winter driving.

However, there is also a lack of willingness to carry out basic vehicle checks. Forty-seven percent of drivers who ever make long winter car journeys (i.e. 100 miles or more) don’t check their car or van (e.g. tyre pressure, oil or spare tyre) before setting off as a matter of course (i.e. most or every time).