Strathclyde Tyres Blog

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%).

Government statistics show that almost 600 accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in Great Britain last year were due to snow or ice, according to tyre manufacturer Michelin.

A total of 338 rigid HGV accidents were attributed to snow or ice on the roads, while 230 articulated HGVs were involved in accidents under similar conditions.

With weather forecasters predicting another bad winter, fewer than 5% of motorists are planning to buy winter tyres this year, according to a survey by Manheim Auctions.

The survey reveals that many who think they are prepared for bad weather are failing to carry essential items in their car. Only 33% of respondents would carry warm clothing, 25% would keep jump leads in the car and 21% would carry a shovel.