The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Drivers urged to heed winter travel alerts
More than one in six motorists (18%) admit they would not change their driving plans despite a red weather warning, a new survey suggests.
People who ignore alerts about treacherous conditions are “needlessly putting themselves and their passengers at risk”, said the AA after a poll of 13,000 drivers.
A yellow warning for snow for the Highlands and islands, Moray and
Aberdeenshire has been issued by the Met Office for all of tomorrow. Travel disruption is expected.
Forecasts suggest there will be widespread overnight frosts and the first major snow of the winter, with “blizzard conditions” bringing accumulations of up to 10cm (4in).
Met Office red warnings are issued when “dangerous weather is expected”, which could include snow, storms and strong winds.
It is very likely there will be “a risk to life” when red warnings are active, the AA said, so people should “avoid travelling where possible”.
The UK’s last red warning for wintry weather was issued in February during Storm Eunice. The poll also indicates three-quarters (75%) of drivers would not change their plans for amber weather warnings, which are issued when there is “an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather”.
High fuel costs and severe roadworks appear to be more off-putting, with the proportion of respondents who said they would alter their itinerary for those reasons being 65% and 52% respectively.
A sharp drop in temperatures usually leads to an increase in vehicle breakdowns of 8-10%, according to the AA.
Mark Born, head of training at the AA Driving School, said: “Winter weather brings challenging road conditions as storms and fog bring poor visibility, while wind, rain and snow can make road surfaces difficult to navigate with an increased risk of debris on the road.
“Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, always
drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey as there may be delays.”
He urged drivers to pack “winter essentials” in their cars, such as warm and waterproof clothes, a shovel, a torch, a fully charged mobile phone and a flask of hot drink.