Two-thirds of British drivers don’t know how to drive safely on icy roads, a new survey has found.
The study, which aimed to determine how many drivers would pass their theory test if they retook it based on their knowledge of winter driving, found just two per cent of Brits would receive a passing score.
The findings come as London experienced its first snowfall of the season on Tuesday, with forecasters warning of below freezing temperatures at nighttime in the coming days.
The survey from digital finance lender Carmoola explored Britons’ driving knowledge by surveying more than 2,000 people in a nationally representative sample with questions from the driving theory test.
It found that only a third could give the safest way to avoid a wheel spin when driving on icy roads, which is to drive at a slow speed in the highest gear possible.
The average participant scored just 31 out of 50 marks on the theory questions, compared to the 43 pass mark needed, leading to warnings of a lack of crucial knowledge among drivers.
Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola, said: “The results of our recent survey are concerning, especially with colder weather on the horizon and road conditions becoming more treacherous.
“Alarmingly, only a third (33%) of Brits are aware of the safest way to drive on icy roads. These findings underscore the need for all of us to be better prepared to navigate winter conditions safely.”
It comes as the first “taste of winter” hit the UK on Tuesday, with snow causing major disruption on roads, rail and shuttering schools.
The Met Office put three yellow warnings for snow and ice in place in the North, the Midlands, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - advising that vehicles could be stranded, power cuts may occur and rural areas could be cut off.
The yellow warning for England has been issued until 11am and the warning for Scotland will remain in place until 10am on Wednesday.
More than 100 schools across England and Wales were closed on Tuesday due to the conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.
The amber warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the South East, South West and London at 8am on Tuesday, lasting until 6pm on Saturday.
National Rail warned the cold climate would affect various routes on northern train services until at least 2pm on Tuesday.
