A survey of nearly 1,300 road users by the Highways Agency showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning.
Only 44% of women said they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
The survey also highlighted age differentials - only 40% of respondents over 65 would continue their journey, while 65% of 18-24s would.
Although women and older people are more likely to heed the warnings, the Highways Agency is concerned that just over half of all those interviewed (53%) said they would carry on with their journey regardless of a severe weather warning.
As a result, the Highways Agency has launched a new campaign with advice on safe driving in severe weather.
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "The British winter is not just about ice and snow. As we have seen this year, heavy rain, strong winds and fog are as much a part of the British climate and they can make driving hazardous.
"The Highways Agency is working in partnership with the Met Office and others to give up-to-date information about road and weather conditions for England's motorways and major A roads."
- www.highways.gov.uk
- from the new Traffic Radio service on DAB digital radio
- www.trafficradio.org.uk
- or by calling the Highways Agency 24-hour automated phone service on 08700 660 115.
For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk.
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