Motorists across the UK fear snow and ice and they think they are the most treacherous conditions in which to take to the road, new research from the AA has revealed.

Just 46 per cent of respondents stated they feel confident of their ability to drive safely when faced with compacted snow and ice on the roads.

This compared to 84 per cent of individuals who said they were confident about driving in heavy rain during the day, 62 per cent were happy to drive when temperatures were very low and there was a chance of ice and 53 per cent claimed to be confident of tackling foggy nights – although this was the second-lowest positive response level to challenging conditions.

Overall, one in 20 motorists (five per cent) stated they were actually "terrified" of the prospect of driving when faced with compacted snow and ice, although there was a significant disparity between men and women in this area.

Just two per cent of male drivers made this claim, while the figure rose to 11 per cent for female respondents.

Across the country there were also regional variations in the confidence levels of motorists, with drivers in London and Northern Ireland the least likely to say they were 'extremely confident' at tackling compacted snow and ice on the roads – just four per cent in both areas.

Meanwhile, individuals in Scotland (seven per cent) and the north-east of England (eight per cent) were the most likely to make this claim.

In response to the findings, Jim Kirkwood, managing director of AA DriveTech, commented: "During the winter months when we are likely to experience adverse weather conditions in the UK it is even more important that employers make sure their drivers' skills are up to scratch. 

"I would urge all fleets to ensure their training is up to par before the bad weather really hits."

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