Study Suggests Vehicle Users Become More Impatient During Winter Months

One in five drivers in the UK believe that other roads users become more aggressive and impatient during the colder months.

A study conducted by Halfords Autocentres attempted to shed more light on how motorists' attitudes change when winter arrives.

Around 20 per cent of the 2,000 respondents felt that tempers are more likely to flare at this time of year, with tailgating, speeding and driver intimidation becoming more commonplace.

In addition to this, 23 per cent of motorists think examples of courteous driving, such as allowing other cars to move away from a junction, are few and far between during winter.

Halfords Autocentres revealed that more than one-third of UK-based drivers are concerned about using the roads in the colder months, as conditions can be more difficult due to the weather. The suggestion that some vehicle owners are becoming bad tempered while behind the wheel does nothing to help the situation.

Company representative Rory Carlin said: "We know that winter road conditions are a cause for concern amongst motorists but they also feel that ill-mannered and aggressive behaviour by other drivers is making things worse. As 2014 starts, a good resolution would be for all drivers to be more considerate."

To help motorists feel more confident while travelling on hazardous roads, Halfords Autocentres has produced a Winter Survival Guide.

It provides drivers with advice on how to avoid skidding and how to remain calm in traffic.

Although road accident rates generally climb during the darker, colder months, recent studies have shown that Britain's roads are becoming safer.

Last month, Post Office Motor Insurance revealed the number of collisions being reported across the UK fell by 36 per cent between 2001 and 2012.

In order to cut road fatalities and serious injuries even further, some MPs and road safety organisations have urged the government to scrap the process of moving the clocks back an hour in October/November.

This, they believe, will provide more daylight in the afternoon, which is when the roads are at their busiest.

Expert Opinion

The survey seems to reflect real experiences of driving being more hazardous and less pleasant over the winter – and that’s just other drivers and not the weather. <br/> <br/>"In fact, at this time of year when adverse driving conditions can make travelling much more dangerous, we really ought to be that bit more courteous to ensure the safety of other road users. <br/> <br/>"Having seen on numerous occasions the terrible consequences that road accidents have on both victims and their families, it is vital that everyone takes care on the road and that authorities including councils and the police continue to actively promote the importance of general road safety." Neil Whiteley - Partner