Goodwill towards fellow road users decreases as drivers demonstrate a lack of festive cheer

Goodwill among drivers towards other road users is not only in short supply but declining at this time of year according to new research.

A study by Halfords Autocentres into how winter affects behaviour behind the wheel has found that over a third of drivers (38%) believe aggressive and inconsiderate driving actually worsens – up from a fifth (20%) last year.

The research also showed that two thirds of drivers (64%) believe unnecessary risk taking including speeding and inappropriate overtaking increases. Whilst a third (34%) of drivers also expressed concern about instances of drink driving rising during the winter.

Stefan Warhaftig from Halfords Autocentres said: “Far from festive cheer bringing out the spirit of goodwill in motorists, our research shows that the winter appears to have the opposite effect.

“Behaviour such as tailgating and using car horns or lights to intimidate other road users actually increases as we near Christmas – so we’re urging drivers to be more courteous and remember that winter road conditions can be challenging enough without the ill-mannered behaviour of some drivers making things worse.”

Stefan Warhaftig added: “Perhaps unsurprisingly almost half of motorists (48%) are anxious or frightened about driving at this time of year – up slightly from last year (44%) despite the relatively mild temperatures.

“So, to give motorists more confidence and help them stay safe we have created a handy Winter Survival Guide that provides information on scenarios from preparing your car for winter, to avoiding a skid and administering first aid following a collision.”

To download a free copy of the Winter Survival Guide or read the advice in full visit http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/advice/news/winter-survival-guide.