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Icy roads and fog top list of driving fears as one in four UK motorists report anxiety
More than one in four British motorists say they feel anxious or worried about driving, with icy conditions and fog topping the list of concerns, according to a survey by car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk.
The survey found that 26% of respondents experienced driving anxiety. Icy conditions were the most commonly cited fear, named by 18%, followed by fog at 16%.
Driving in the dark was the main concern for just over one in 10 respondents. Other worries included unfamiliar routes, cited by 11%; busy city traffic, 7%; motorways, 6%; and rain, 5%.
The findings come as motorists face darker evenings following the clocks changing and prepare for winter weather. Quotezone said anxiety can vary in severity. In severe cases, a specific fear of driving is known as amaxophobia.
Quotezone also reported a rise in online interest among younger drivers, saying global TikTok searches for “driving anxiety” increased by 98.6% over a six-month period last year. The company did not provide further details about the search data.
Drivers with a medical condition that affects their ability to drive safely must tell the DVLA, according to the information supplied by Quotezone. Failure to report a relevant condition can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, and may affect insurance cover or result in prosecution if it contributes to a collision.
Helen Rolph, a car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said preparation could help motorists feel more in control. She advised checking vehicle lights and tyres, planning journeys and carrying emergency supplies. She also suggested refresher or advanced driving courses, which may provide practice in conditions that drivers find difficult.
Quotezone’s winter advice includes checking weather and traffic before setting out, allowing extra time, driving smoothly and leaving a greater gap to the vehicle ahead. It also recommends keeping lights clean and using dipped beams in fog.
The company advises drivers to check tyre tread with a 20p coin: the outer band should be hidden when the coin is inserted into the tread. Its suggested winter kit includes a blanket, ice scraper, torch, phone charger and high-visibility jacket.
Helen Rolph, car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “It’s natural to feel nervous when driving in poor weather conditions, especially as winter brings icy roads, fog, and darker evenings. But a little extra preparation can go a long way and help to relieve worries behind the wheel.
“It's also important to always make sure the vehicle is winter-ready - checking the lights and tyres are in good condition, planning ahead, and keeping winter essentials in the boot in the event of any emergencies.
“Small steps like these can help drivers to feel more in control, and ready to face winter months on the road with more confidence.
“A refresher course could also help drivers who feel anxious, they can cater to all-weather practice, night driving or busy cities - it could also help reduce the cost of car insurance, demonstrating additional safety measures to the insurer."
