Nervous Brits give winter driving the cold shoulder

As the UK heads towards winter, a shock survey reveals the high level of dread among UK motorists at the thought of driving in challenging seasonal conditions.

The newly released research by Isuzu UK, who polled the nation’s motorists, discovered that almost three-quarters (73%) feel worried or anxious about driving in wintry, icy, or cold conditions.

It also found that more than two-thirds (68%) have refused to drive either many times or on the odd occasion, when it’s cold, wet or snowing.

Additionally, the study uncovered which age group was most likely to refuse to drive in bad weather, and perhaps surprisingly it was the younger generation of motorists.

More than eight-in-ten (83%) aged between 18-29 have refused to get behind the wheel in these conditions, compared to just 62% of these aged 60+.

George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, said: “These results highlight the high level of concern that many drivers feel when the temperatures drop and snow falls.

“Having a capable vehicle that can cope on all terrains and in all weather conditions, with features including four-wheel drive, could make all the difference in boosting confidence levels.”

The top five reasons that make driving during the winter challenging, according to Brits:

1.  The risk of ice – 60%
2.  Freezing rain/snow reducing visibility – 48%
3.  Low sun shining in face – 43%
4.  Getting stuck in the snow – 40%
5.  Fog – 39%

Additionally, the study also found the cities where motorists are most, or least, likely to get stressed as the weather takes a turn for the worse, making driving conditions more challenging for some.

Drivers in Bristol appear the most ‘chilled’ winter drivers, but even there, over half of drivers (61%) admit to feeling anxiety.

This is compared to the top five locations with most nervous motorists in wintry conditions which are Plymouth (83%), Liverpool (82%), London (79%), Stoke-on-Trent (77%), while Newcastle Upon Tyne, Norwich and Oxford tied in fifth (76%).

George Wallis added: “It’s interesting to see that drivers in Plymouth appear to be the most nervous motorists, given the more temperate south coast climate, which perhaps indicates when snow falls that it is more of an unknown driving factor.

“It’s also fascinating to see that older drivers appear to have more confidence when faced with harsher driving conditions, most likely because they have more experience.

“Of course, winter presents its own driving hazards, so safety behind the wheel should always be paramount.

“It’s in situations like this where having a reliable vehicle to tackle the elements is critical.

“We see this with the Isuzu D-Max, with its world class safety features and maximum 5-star NCAP rating, it is the pick-up of choice for more-and-more drivers in the UK when snow, ice and wet weather come knocking.”

*This research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Isuzu and conducted by Perspectus Global during March 2024.