weather myths dispelled

Britain’s reputation for rainy weather is unfounded, according to a weather study by Norwich Union

The research grouped motor claims and accident information according to weather conditions for 2004 and 2005. Contrary to popular belief, the research showed that, on average, it only rains 6.2% of the time across the UK at any one time - although it is cloudy an additional 66% of the time, which is probably not much of a surprise to anyone.

Weekends are the best time to get out for a drive, as there are fewer cars on the road - resulting in an increase in traffic speed by 11%. Although the higher speed also means that collisions are slightly more serious with repair costs on average about 10% more than for crashes on weekdays.

“Our research is the clearest indication yet of the extent to which bad and extreme weather impacts our driving performance. With the Met Office predicting the coldest winter in a decade, motorists should remember that a little preparation before setting out on a journey can avoid a breakdown or accident,” said Julian Beardsworth, director of underwriting (personal lines), Norwich Union.

The recent short-lived cold snap over the holidays is untypical of recent British winter weather: it is below freezing only 2-3% of the time - just 11 days a year. However, accidents increase more than 50% when there has been a severe frost.

“Frost and ice affect the vehicle’s ability to grip the road properly. We also see a lot of accidents where drivers admit they had visibility problems. If there has been a frost, drivers need to allow enough time to defrost and scrape all windows on their vehicle so that they can see properly. A clean windscreen - inside and out - is essential to clear vision. We’ve even heard of accidents where the driver has literally had his or her head out the window because they couldn’t see through their own windscreen properly!” said Mr Beardsworth.

Although it’s not surprising that wet days result in more accidents than dry days, by just how much was a surprise. Accidents on the wettest days increase by 40% - a clear indication that even in the rain, motorists are not taking proper precautions. The roads are more congested in the rain as well, as people are 10% more likely to drive when it’s raining.

“Our research shows that drivers only slow down by 3-4% when it’s raining. We would urge drivers to slow down and allow extra stopping space between their vehicle and the car in front of them, as stopping distances increase in wet weather. It is commonly acknowledged by road safety organisations that in dry conditions, drivers should allow two seconds’ time between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead of them when travelling at speed. This distance should be increased in wet conditions, and drivers should slow down accordingly," said Mr Beardsworth.

“Accidents in wet conditions cost an average of 27% more than accidents on dry days - this is down to the greater impact speed resulting from slick road conditions. That cost is not just damage to the car, but also personal injury - so drivers need to beware that especially in the wet, speed kills.”

Finally, the report finds that extreme weather conditions of any type tend to increase the number of accidents on the roads, soaring temperatures add 40% while days with local thunderstorms or extreme windspeeds have 10% more crashes than wet days.

Results from the weather and road safety study

Weather data from a variety of sources was pooled to support the analysis of Norwich Union's claims data. The results and their implications for road safety are explored below:

Traffic speed is 11% faster at the weekend
- Fewer cars on the road
The number of accidents is more than 50% higher when there has been a severe frost
- Gripping/Driveway
- Contributory factors being visibility/poor grip
The amount of rainfall is a strong predictor of the number of accidents - the wettest days result in 40% more accidents than dry days
- Grip/visibility/speed
- Stopping distance
- Avoiding puddles
- Pedestrian behaviour
Drivers only slow by 3 to 4% when it's raining
People are 10% more likely to drive when it's raining
- Choosing not to walk
Accidents in wet conditions cost an average of 27% more than accidents in dry conditions
- Impact speed higher
- Multiple collisions more likely
On days with snow we see 10% more accidents
- Ability to grip the road
- Traffic density - no evidence that it is lower
Thunderstorm conditions give rise to more claims than simply rainy conditions
- Torrential rain making roads exceptionally hazardous
- Distraction of storm
- Unpreparedness for change in condition