A new study has revealed that 71% of drivers could be putting other road users, and themselves, at risk by under-estimating the distance it will take their vehicle to stop in icy conditions.
- 11% of drivers surveyed said they thought the stopping distance was twice as long in icy weather.
- 33% thought it was four times as long.
- 27% thought it should be five times as long.
- Just 23% of drivers knew that the actual figure is up to ten times as long, with 6% being even more cautious and believing it to be up to 20 times as long.
In other words, if you are driving at just 30mph on a fine day and need to brake immediately it will take you 23 metres to stop. But in icy conditions it could take up to 230 metres – the length of two full-sized football pitches.
Many drivers also do not know enough about stopping distances in wet weather. The survey found that:
- 22% of drivers fail to check the gap between their vehicle and the vehicle in front.
- A further 21% do not leave a large enough gap.
Brake, the road safety charity, which conducted the survey along with insurer Direct Line, recommends that drivers leave at least four seconds between their vehicle and the vehicle in front in wet weather.
In addition, 54% of drivers thought other drivers travel too fast in poor weather conditions, and 66% believed that other drivers don’t leave enough space to stop.
“Ice, snow, heavy rain and fog make driving incredibly risky,” Brake’s Campaigns and Communications Director Gary Rae said. “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.”
Rob Miles, Director of Motor at Direct Line, added: “Even if you feel confident driving in icy or snowy conditions, others may not be able to keep full control of their car and may not be observing the correct stopping distances. If you need to drive, make sure you take it slow and steady and don’t panic or slam on the brakes.”
