Few motorists are prepared for winterPA

Winter is coming – but few drivers are prepared for it, especially women, says a new AA survey.

Younger motorists are most likely to be unprepared and be caught out by snowy or icy conditions, the poll of 20,073 AA members revealed.

Overall, the survey found 75 per cent of drivers are little or not prepared for inclement weather this winter, with 80 per cent of women leaving it to chance when venturing out.

While 50 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds reckon a bad winter is likely, as many as 88 per cent of them are not prepared to deal with it.

Amazingly, this compares with 33 per cent of over-65s who are gearing up for a bad winter by being totally prepared.

It's drivers in north-east England – 34 per cent – and Scotland – 32 per cent – are most prepared for poor conditions, while only 17 per cent of London motorists are.

However, when it comes to thinking about getting prepared, it's women who are ahead of men – 31 per cent of women saying they are at least thinking about it compared with 15 per cent of men.

AA patrolman of the year Andy Smith said: "Having the right equipment for winter weather in your car can make the difference between being stranded for hours and getting home safely."

The AA survey, however, contrasts with news from Halfords who said earlier this month motorists are stocking up with winter gear