Putting a Brake on Bad Driving

15 January 2016 | Updated 01 January 1970

As the weather is forecast to turn colder and snow predicted in many parts of the UK, a new study highlights the risks too many drivers are taking in bad weather.

The survey which was commissioned by Brake and Direct Line, reveals 71% of drivers questioned do not know how much longer it will take their vehicle to stop in icy conditions, putting other road users and themselves at risk by under-estimating the distance.

As much as 11% of drivers think the stopping distance is twice as long in icy weather, a third believe it is four times as long and 27% think it should be five times as long. Only 23% of drivers knew that the actual figure is up to 10 times as long with 6% being even more cautious and believing it is up to 20 times as long.

One example is that, while on a fine day, if someone driving at 30mph and needs to brake immediately it will take 23m to stop; in icy conditions it could take up to 230m, the equivalent in length of two-full size football pitches. Many drivers also did not know enough about stopping distances in wet weather.

Another safety deficiency in adverse conditions was that 22% failed to check the gap between their car and the car in front and 21% did not leave a large enough gap. Brake recommends that drivers leave at least four seconds between their vehicle and the vehicle in front in wet weather.

Brake and Direct Line are encouraging drivers to adjust their driving style to the conditions of the road as temperatures drop, and sleet, snow, frost and ice are all forecast.

“Stopping distances double in wet weather and can increase up to ten-fold in ice and snow,” stated Gary Rae, Campaigns and Communications Director, Brake. “As snow is forecast, we urge people to think about whether their journey is necessary but if you get caught out driving in bad weather the critical thing is to slow right down and keep your distance, bearing in mind it will take you much longer to stop in an emergency, and to react in the first place, if visibility is reduced.”

Picture: Bad weather is coming but road safety charity and Direct Line survey shows some worrying driver ignorance about safe stopping distances

Article written by Robin Snow | Published 15 January 2016