The three great hazards of winter driving

GROUND frost, wet leaves and a blindingly low sun, in that order, have been identified as the natural occurrences most likely to cause drivers to be involved in a near miss or a collision during winter, according to a study carried out by AA Motor Insurance.

The study, which featured over 14,000 motorists, suggests that as many as six out of every 10 motorist in Ireland have lost control of their car at some point as a result of icy road conditions. Wet leaves, often overlooked, can also prove hazardous - 40% of the respondents polled said they have skidded on at least one occasion thanks to a skin of wet leaves covering the road.

The AA also advises drivers to be mindful of cyclists when roads are slick, particularly if their bike is visibly tilted rounding a corner. 27% of those polled said they’d gone into a skid as a result of wet leaves while cycling.

Another tip the AA is offering motorists is to have a pair of sun glasses in their car and to make sure their windscreens are clean to cope with low level glare on clearer days. 37% of those polled by the AA shared that they have had either a near miss or actual collision due to being temporarily blinded by winter time glare.

“Winter brings increased risk on our roads, sun glare being one of them. The sun has been getting lower and lower since the summer solstice and will continue to do so until December 21.” said Conor Faughnan of AA Ireland. “As a result, it can be near impossible to see at times thanks to eye level glare, especially if you’re windscreen is dirty. Keep your speed right down, put on your shades and keep your distance from the car in front.

“For many drivers their first reaction is to slam on the brakes when their vision is compromised and the last thing you want is to slam into the back of them.”

The AA’s winter driving hazards study also looks at fog, which is most common in Ireland during winter particularly inland and at higher altitudes. One in five drivers polled said that they have had a close shave or collision while driving in fog with many drivers sharing that it is the weather condition they find most challenging.

In one incident shared during the study, the participant crashed into a ditch at a bend having struggled to view the road signage and markings. Another had a bust tyre, having unintentionally walloped the curb while a third was struck by another driver who had no lights on and had drifted across the wrong side of the road.

“Many many drivers in this country would benefit from taking the time to check their car’s handbook to learn about their lights and the various different settings.” said Faughnan. “So many drivers simply aren’t using their fog, dipped and full lights properly to the detriment of other drivers and it’s one of the most common complaints we receive from drivers these days.”

74% of those polled shared a belief that drivers in this country under use their fog lights when required and the most common cause of close shaves or collisions reported was other drivers, particularly those driving silver or grey cars, not using their headlights or fog lights. Next after use of lights was poor visibility at a junction, poor visibility of a pedestrian, cyclist or animal or dazzle from another driver not using their fog lights.