A startling number of people admitted to driving dangerously and risking a hefty fine, according to new research.
Half of people admitted to driving with their car windows steamed up, which is both a hazard and a driving offence that could land you with a £1,000 fine and a discretionary disqualification along with three points on your licence.
Rain, wind and ice often make drivers anxious in the winter months, making it all the more important to drive safely.
READ MORE: How to stay safe driving in fog after Met Office issue warning
Motoring experts at National Tyres and Autocare found the "eye-opening" results when they conducted a survey asking 1,000 people about winter driving anxiety.
Group marketing director Michael Bourne said : "It comes as no surprise that almost half of those surveyed feel some level of anxiety when it comes to driving in poor weather conditions.
"The most surprising finding was that half of the drivers surveyed admitted to driving whilst their windows were steamed up.
"If you are caught driving with your windows steamed up you could be fined £1,000 and face three points on your licence for failure to have a full view of the road and traffic ahead according to the Highway Code."
Perhaps unsurprisingly, almost half of drivers admitted to feeling anxious when driving in poor weather conditions.
Many blame ice and snow (46%) or the reduced visibility of fog and darker days (35%) for this anxiety.
Even other drivers are a cause for concern among 47% of people driving in poor weather conditions.
Some respondents have even refused to go out on the road in their vehicles in poor conditions.
But few have geared their cars up for winter.
The National Tyres and Autocare found that only 8% of people have booked their vehicle in for a winter service, while 11% say they've fitted winter tyres.
Michael Bourne said: "We are also surprised to see that only 8% book their car in for a winter health check.
"A winter health check is an incredibly beneficial action to take before the winter months roll in, as a qualified professional can assess your car and make sure your car is not only performing at its optimal level (tyres, wheel alignment, brakes, battery etc.) but that it’s able to keep you safe if the conditions do take a turn for the worse."
