Winter Worries for US Drivers

According to a recent survey sponsored by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, almost two-thirds of drivers in the USA admit to fear of an accident while driving in bad weather conditions.

As a way of communicating the effectiveness of their Assurance and Fortera tyres with TripleTred Technology, consumer marketers at Goodyear were interested in finding out how people approach changing weather conditions, and the driving challenges that arise.

In the survey, more than half (53 per cent) of respondents said inclement weather has negatively affected their overall trip experience.

“More than anything, drivers want confidence when they’re on the road, especially when adverse weather conditions create driving challenges. The condition of the tyres is important for traction and grip,” said Todd Hershberger, Goodyear’s general marketing manager, light-truck tyres.

The tyres are the only components of a car that make contact with the roadway, and most consumers actually seem to understand the tyres’ important role. Among survey respondents, 60 per cent felt that tyres are the most important factor when driving in inclement weather.

When feeling a loss of control on wet, snowy or icy roads, consumers have generally blamed the weather (46 per cent), although they cite their own driving ability (18 per cent) almost as often as they cite their tyres (20 per cent).

Recognizing that the condition of their tyres is important when driving in bad weather, nearly one in five survey respondents still admitted they need to replace their vehicle’s tyres before winter’s most challenging weather arrives.

According to Hershberger, “Along with the antifreeze and battery check-ups, an inspection of the tyre tread should be a year-round practice, and especially as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions.”

Some motorists may feel more secure in inclement-weather driving when they’re behind the wheel of a vehicle with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, a feature found on many SUVs and crossover vehicles. However, an overwhelming majority (77 per cent) of those surveyed felt good tyre traction and grip are more important than four-wheel drive capabilities. Further, just a third of consumers feel a four-wheel drive feature provides driving assurance in any weather, while more than half (54 per cent) believe good tyres offer peace-of-mind driving.