Ground frost, wet leaves and low sun glare have been deemed to be three of the most overlooked hazards facing motorists during the winter months, according to a survey by the AA.
Ground frost and ice as hazards may not be so much of a surprise to motorists, with 60 per cent of those asked having previously lost control of their car as a result; but wet leaves are often forgotten about. Of those surveyed, 40 per cent claim to have skidded on wet leaves in the past. The AA also urges motorists to take special care when conditions are poor, and also when encountering cyclists; especially when they are leaning around corners.
Visual impairment due to low sun glare can also cause many problems on the road; with 37 per cent of drivers experiencing either a near miss or worse as a result. Keeping sunglasses in the car, having a clean windscreen and driving at an ample distance from the car in front should help to bring these numbers down.
Unsurprisingly, fog is also a major contributor to problems on the roads; particularly inland and at higher altitudes. Three-quarters of those interviewed believe that drivers underuse their fog lights; with some drivers neglecting to use dipped headlights too. This issue is made worse by 'invisible drivers' in silver or grey cars who fail to use their lights.
The AA advises motorists to use dipped headlights and fog lights where appropriate, and for drivers to stop, lower their windows and listen for approaching traffic at junctions if visibility is poor.