Bad weather 'keeps drivers off the roads'

Bad weather over the winter period will be a serious concern for 48 per cent of motorists, a new study has found.

According to Saga Motor Insurance, driving in snow and ice is the biggest fear for 39 per cent of drivers, while heavy rain is a deterrent for 25 per cent.

A further 32 per cent fear being on the roads in foggy conditions, with the over 50s in particular identifying this as a concern.

Saga reports that 17 per cent of motorists will be staying at home or using public transport when bad weather strikes.

A quarter of women will choose to drive less during the winter, compared to eight per cent of men, the study found.

Andrew Goodsell, executive chairman at Saga Group, said that from a car insurance perspective, older drivers are safer drivers.

He added: "In the winter, their ability to adapt their driving to the conditions means that they are even less likely than at other times of the year to have an accident than younger more care-free motorists.

"We urge all drivers to check the weather forecast before they venture out, and if they're at all worried, to use alternative means of transport."

Earlier last week, the Transport Research Laboratory warned that more drivers are using mobile phones behind the wheel, increasing their risk of having an accident.

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2009-12-16 13:09:12 © Moneyextra.com