Sliding scale: £3.5m car damage in ice and snow
Over the period Friday to Monday, 18-21 January, AA Insurance has taken over 500 claims of which over 45% were related to snow and ice. On Monday, half of all claims were weather related.
Scaled up nationally, this would equate to around 7,000 cars that have come to an icy end, costing insurers up to £3.5m.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance says: "Driving on ice or packed snow demands great care. And where snow has melted, leaving a wet surface, there is a risk of black ice which can catch drivers by surprise.
"Most drivers in such a situation over-react, making loss of control even worse."
Mr Douglas says that many commentators, noting the UK's supposed ill-preparedness for winter driving, point to countries like Sweden or Canada which seem to cope well with considerably more snow than ever falls in the UK.
"The truth is, such countries are used to extreme weather but nevertheless still suffer their fair share of ice-related collisions. But most parts of the UK rarely see prolonged snow so it's not surprising that many drivers don't cope well."
Claims seen by AA Insurance over recent days include
Dented dozen: AA has taken dozens of claims for collisions with kerbs, walls, fences and parked vehicles. One driver admitted that his car slid down a street hitting several parked cars, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage
Making hay: Another's car was engulfed with hay bales as a tractor trailer jack-knifed on an icy country road, shedding its load
On thin ice: In a case of mistaken identity during a snowstorm, a driver mistook the smooth snow surface ahead of him as the road, but it was a village pond
Up and over door: Another unfortunate car owner parked his car in the garage - after sliding down his drive and through the closed door.
Igloo mentality
The AA has slammed drivers who do little to clear their cars of snow and ice and drive around in what are little more than igloos.
Mr Douglas emphasises the importance of clearing snowbound cars of ice and snow before setting off.
"Good visibility is important at all times and especially so when the weather is poor. Pedestrians can slip off icy pavements while other vehicles can make unpredictable movements. You need the greatest opportunity to see what's happening around you.
"People who drive around in cars that could be mistaken for an igloo are accidents waiting to happen," he says.
"Not only can they see little of their surroundings but chunks of snow and ice fly off as they drive, posing a serious risk to pedestrians and other drivers."
AA hints for driving in snow and ice
Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving, according to the AA's website, which points out that stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.
Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving. Cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals
Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin
Up hill - avoid having to stop part way up by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room from the car in front. Keep a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill
Down hill - reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front
If you have to use brakes then apply them gently. Release the brakes and de-clutch if the car skids and gently re-apply the brakes. A locked wheel on ice will do nothing to slow your car
Automatic transmission - under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it's best to select 'Drive' and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions it's best to select '2', which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Some autos have a 'Winter' mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook.
If you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a an old rug or stout cardboard - or even your car mats - in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.