Women drivers are more likely to take advice from the Highways Agency and the Met Office and less likely to get caught out by the weather, according to newly published research.

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."

  • Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available at:
    - 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.