24/01/2007

UK motorists are getting caught out by the icy weather at a cost of £38.8 million* to the nation’s businesses. This is due to time spent clearing their icy windscreens making them late for work.

Winter driving problems, such as a flat battery, non-starting engines and frozen windscreen wipers are making drivers late for work by an average ten minutes every day.

Churchill’s research shows that the most frequent reason given for being late by staff that drive is their frozen windscreen wipers, with a third of motorists citing this problem. Three in ten (31%) said their car wouldn’t start, and a quarter said that they had a flat battery.

Only 12 per cent of drivers make suitable preparations and buy a windscreen cover, and only 15 per cent get a full pre-winter service on their car. Despite the fact more than two thirds (69%) of motorists buy de-icer and over half (55%) put anti-freeze in their cars’ engines, they still can’t get to work on time.

Frances Browning, spokesperson for Churchill car insurance, said: “Motorists should ensure they are prepared for all eventualities in icy conditions. If drivers are having problems with frozen windscreens, it would be advisable to think about purchasing a windscreen cover, or a few bottles of de-icer. Not only will this keep the car in better condition, but it may also minimise the risk of getting into the boss’ bad books for being late for work.”

The research also showed almost half (47 per cent) of drivers are forced to consider alternative forms of transport when faced with a frozen car.

In addition, motorists are leaving themselves vulnerable to theft when defrosting their windscreens with over a quarter (28%) admitting to leaving their car unattended with the keys in the ignition.

Churchill offers the following tips to help motorists prepare for the hazardous conditions and minimise the risks of accidents or being stranded:

• Good maintenance of your tyres is essential – check the tread, pressure and general condition, all of which can affect braking. Ensure that your spare tyre is in good condition.
• Frequently check that all lights are working – headlights, indicators, fog lights and hazard lights to ensure that other drivers can see you.
• Good all round visibility is vital – check that your wiper blades are in good condition and ensure that the washer bottle is topped up. If the windscreen gets frozen, always lift the wiper blades off the windscreen before turning them on, otherwise you could damage the blades or the motor.
• Make sure that your car is topped up with the correct level of anti-freeze and always carry a scraper and/or a can of de-icer in your car.
• Mobile phones have become an essential part of everyday life for most people and can be lifesavers in emergency situations. However, mobile phones should not be used when driving as it is illegal, but keep one in the car to use in the case of a break down.

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Office of National Statistics

For more information please contact:

Frances Browning
Churchill Insurance
020 8313 5965
pressoffice@churchill.com