The majority of drivers would ignore severe weather warnings despite the safety risks, new research has found.

Three in five drivers (62%) would continue with their plans to drive following an amber warning for snow

A third of drivers (33%) would take no notice of a red weather warning while 62% would continue with their plans to drive following an amber warning for snow, an AA survey of over 12,000 drivers has revealed.

It’s a similar story where driving in sleet is concerned, with just a fifth (21%) of respondents likely to heed an amber weather warning and only half (49%) saying they’d leave the car at home following a red warning of sleet.

Nearly 500 road users (487) have been killed or seriously injured in road accidents in the snow between 2017 and last year.

Government figures show that 70 people were killed or seriously injured on snow-hit roads last year, the third highest since 2017 compared to 96 in 2021 and a truly horrendous 187 in 2018.

Nick Powell, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “It’s clear that many people will risk their vehicles and themselves on wintry roads – even when the worst weather is predicted. The AA will be out on patrol as usual but there are some simple and common-sense precautions drivers need to take to avoid a winter nightmare in the first place.

“As outside temperatures start to drop, it’s important to allow extra time for your journey. Use some of this time to properly de-ice your vehicle windows and clear snow from the lights. Driving with an obscured view can land you with a hefty fine and can lead to disqualification from driving.

“On a frosty morning, hazards like black ice can prove lethal if you don’t adjust your speed and driving style in colder weather. Always leave plenty of space behind other vehicles as stopping distances can be 10 times longer on icy roads. Checking your tyre pressures and tread depth is essential to help keep you safe on the road.”

Powell added: “Allowing extra time can also help if you encounter delays to your normal routes. In addition to checking your oil, anti-freeze and windscreen washer fluid levels, make sure you pack winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, and a flask of hot drink. Keep your mobile phone fully charged and download the free AA breakdown app in addition to what3words to help our patrols get to you quicker.

“Take heed of warning lights in your vehicle and make sure you check it regularly if you drive less in the winter. Having sufficient breakdown cover can offer peace of mind if the worst should happen. Flat batteries are one of the top breakdowns we attend in cold weather and can be avoided by regular car maintenance.”

Ahead of its annual winter driving campaign, what3words is also reminding drivers to download its free location app onto their mobile devices in case they find themselves injured, lost or stranded as a result of the extreme weather.

The app enables drivers to communicate their exact location so emergency services can locate them quickly and efficiently. It’s used by over 85% of UK emergency services, as well as breakdown providers like the AA, and is regularly recommended by national parks and outdoor spaces.

Finally, Autoglass has provided drivers with its top tips to de-ice their windscreen.

Ed Colley, head of marketing, said: “With temperatures dropping across the UK, lots of drivers will be frustrated to find they are waking up to ice across their car windscreen this week. In a rush to clear the frost as quickly as possible some drivers may be tempted to pour boiling water over the glass. However, this tactic should be avoided as the sudden change in temperature can cause the glass to expand and result in small chips expanding into much more damaging cracks.

“Using a credit card to clear away any unwanted frost also runs the risk of scratching the windscreen and creating more headaches for drivers keen to get on with their day. Turning on the car engine and leaving it may seem like the safe option, but it is hardly the most environmentally friendly approach and leaving your car on and unattended also increases the risk of car theft.

“To ensure a stress-free winter morning we would recommend having a proper windscreen scraper in your car which you can use to clear the frost quickly and safely. For those who are really prepared, applying a rain repellent to your windscreen before a wintery snap can make de-icing much easier and quicker.”