New research has revealed a stark picture of driving anxiety in England, with a significant proportion of motorists planning to stay off the roads entirely for the remainder of the winter season, which lasts until the end of February.
Study Reveals Scale of Winter Driving Fears
The survey, commissioned by Scrap Car Comparison in partnership with OnePoll, found that nine out of ten motorists who already experience anxiety behind the wheel intend to skip festive meetups this year due to fears over winter road conditions.
Furthermore, the data indicates that 93% of these anxious drivers would cancel social plans if challenging weather was forecast. The report categorised the severity of this anxiety, finding that 6% of all drivers felt "very anxious" and 26% described their anxiety as "moderate".
Young Drivers Most Affected by Anxiety
The research highlighted a pronounced generational divide in driving confidence. It found that three in five drivers aged 18 to 24 admitted to feeling anxious on the road, making them the most affected age group.
In sharp contrast, the study showed that only a quarter of drivers aged 65 and over reported experiencing any driving anxiety at all.
Expert Advice for Safer Winter Journeys
In response to the findings, motoring experts have urged drivers to take practical steps to boost their confidence. Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, advised planning ahead for the Christmas period.
"There are practical steps people can take to feel more confident, such as planning your route in advance, sharing the drive with someone else and giving yourself extra time for your journey," he said. "And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, the safest choice is always the right one."
Helen Rolph, a car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, emphasised the importance of vehicle preparation. "It's natural to feel nervous when driving in poor weather conditions, especially as winter brings icy roads, fog, and darker evenings," she noted.
"But a little extra preparation can go a long way. It's also important to always make sure the vehicle is winter-ready - checking the lights and tyres are in good condition, planning ahead, and keeping winter essentials in the boot."
The combined message from the study and experts is clear: while apprehension about driving in bad weather is widespread, particularly among younger UK motorists, proactive preparation can significantly alleviate concerns and improve safety for all road users this winter.
