RAC poll finds drivers want this change to motorway driving in bad weather

A poll of 2,100 drivers by the RAC found that 72% wanted to see the 70mph limit cut in rainy or wet conditions to boost safety and encourage better driving habits. A third of drivers in the survey wanted the speed limit reduced to 60mph, with 17% favouring 65mph.

Department for Transport figures show that 246 people were killed or seriously injured on Britain’s motorways in 2019 when the road surface was damp, wet or flooded. This was a rise from 203 people in 2017.

A DfT spokesperson said rule 125 of the Highway Code is clear that drivers should always reduce their speed when weather conditions make it safer to do so.

They said: "While we have some of the safest roads in the world, this Government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they are made even safer. All drivers should drive to the conditions of the road, including slowing down during adverse weather."

Rod Dennis, the RAC data insight spokesperson, said: "While most drivers already adjust their speed when the weather turns unpleasant, figures show that ‘driving too fast for the conditions’ and ‘slippery roads’ are still among the top 10 reasons for motorway collisions and contribute to significant numbers of serious injuries and even deaths every year."

Separate data from Highways England shows that wet roads were a contributing factor in 259 crashes on motorways in England in 2018; people driving too fast for the road conditions was at least partly to blame for 242 collisions.

A spokesman from Highways England issued guidance on safe driving in wet weather:

• Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen
• Keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead
• Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road