Drivers across the UK have expressed plans to stay off the roads altogether this winter after fears of driving in bad conditions have reached record levels.
A new study has found that nine out of 10 motorists who already feel anxious behind the wheel are planning to skip festive meetups this year because they are too worried about winter roads.
The research, carried out by Scrap Car Comparison in partnership with OnePoll, revealed how widespread driving anxiety is becoming, and how it could leave many people isolated during what is normally the busiest social period of the year.
According to the report, 93 per cent of anxious drivers said they would cancel social plans if the weather looked challenging.
The survey looked at how drivers across the UK feel about navigating the roads during darker, colder months this year.
It was found that nearly a third of UK motorists experience some level of anxiety when driving. Six per cent said they felt very anxious, while 26 per cent described their anxiety as moderate.
Young people were seen to be the most affected, with three in five drivers aged 18 to 24 admitting to feeling anxious on the road, making them the group most likely to cancel plans when the weather turns.
By comparison, the report found that only a quarter of drivers aged 65 and over said they experience any driving anxiety at all.
Drivers have expressed anxiety over driving in poor weather this Christmas
|GETTY
The findings come as the country heads into peak festive season, with YouGov data showing that three-quarters of people who celebrate Christmas consider socialising with friends, family and colleagues to be an essential part of the holiday.
Darkness and bad weather topped the list of concerns, with around 32 per cent of anxious drivers saying they would avoid going out in the dark, with the same numbers saying poor weather is enough to make them stay put.
Ice-covered roads were another major fear, with 26 per cent of drivers stating that they would rather cancel plans than risk travelling on frozen surfaces.
Traffic was also a factor, with 18 per cent of drivers warning that heavy congestion would put them off socialising, while another 18 per cent worry about navigating unfamiliar routes.
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The report found that nine out of 10 drivers would avoid UK roads due to poor weather this Christmas
| PAThe study highlights clear differences not only between age groups but also between men and women. While 38 per cent of women report driving anxiety, only 23 per cent of men said the same.
Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, said drivers should never feel forced to get behind the wheel if they do not feel confident.
He added: "There are practical steps people can take to feel more confident, such as planning your route in advance, sharing the drive with someone else and giving yourself extra time for your journey. And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, the safest choice is always the right one, no matter how much fomo you might feel."
The company has now urged anxious drivers to take simple precautions this winter, including sticking to well-lit main roads, avoiding peak traffic times, arranging car shares, checking their vehicle before travelling, and trusting their instincts if conditions feel unsafe.
Vehicle breakdowns become more common in the winter | GETTYWith millions now considering giving up driving during the coldest months, the research raised questions about how winter weather, and fear of it, could impact everything from family life to the wider Christmas economy in the weeks ahead.
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."