Winter driving pet peeves revealed

De-icing car windscreens first thing in the morning, poor visibility and people driving too fast in harsh conditions are the biggest annoyances for motorists in the winter.

New research conducted by car leasing specialist, Leasing Options, also found that nearly a third (29%) of motorists said that driving in the winter left them feeling irritable.

A further 27% confessed to being stressed and a fifth (22%) said that they are left feeling anxious due to the winter weather.

Top five pet peeves

1. De-icing the windscreen in the morning (57%)
2. Poor visibility (50%)
3. Sliding on ice (48%)
4. Drivers driving too fast (47%)
5. Drivers leaving on full beam headlights (44%)

“Winter driving can be problematic for the most experienced drivers and sometimes the British weather can take us by surprise,” said Mike Thompson of Leasing Options.

“Although it is difficult to prevent pet peeves like de-icing the windscreen or poor visibility, it is important to remember to always be considerate towards other road users, especially during seasons that can lead to higher levels of driving anxiety.”

To help combat winter driving blues Leasing Options has partnered with Charles Spence, Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, to create air freshener scents to help drivers manage road rage, nausea, tiredness and nervousness behind the wheel.