New research by Liberty Insurance suggests nearly three in four Irish drivers (74 per cent ) do not feel confident when driving in poor weather conditions.
The survey found that ice and snow have the strongest negative impact on confidence amongst drivers; less than half (43 per cent ) of all drivers are confident driving in snow, while just over a third (35 per cent ) feel confident operating their vehicle with ice on the roads
Young and recently qualified drivers are most nervous when driving in adverse weather conditions. Some 80 per cent of drivers under the age of 30 are not confident driving in bad weather, and only 15 per cent of newly qualified drivers feel very prepared to drive in inclement weather following the successful completion of their driving test.
More than three in five drivers (62 per cent ) have felt nervous as a result of driving in bad weather. Overall, drivers in Munster tend to be most nervous, with only 22 per cent of drivers in the region feeling confident when driving in adverse weather. The conditions most frequently cited by motorists in the region include heavy rain, snow and ice. Dublin motorists on the other hand were more concerned by driving in fog.
Deirdre Ashe, director of personal lines at Liberty Insurance, said: “Our research reveals that as a country, we currently lack confidence in our driving abilities in adverse weather conditions.
“This nervousness in driving in poor weather becomes all the more concerning as we approach December and January, the two months of the year most typically associated with poor driving conditions. As we approach the festive season, we are calling on all drivers to be aware of their surroundings especially in adverse or wintry weather conditions and exercise their best judgement when travelling.”
Sunday, November 19 marks World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. In 2016, 187 people were killed on Irish roads, with 96 per cent of all driver deaths occurring on non-motorways and nearly half (47 per cent ) of all driver deaths occurring on regional or local roads.
For winter driving tips and advice, as well as car insurance, see www.libertyinsurance.ie
