Brits vote for Trump... as the most deadly sounding storm name

  • Almost half (46 per cent) of UK drivers call for storms to be named according to how severe they are
  • 17 per cent of Brits think a storm named 'Trump' would be deadly, while just 13 per cent thought the same for Katrina and 5 per cent for Irma
  • 'Storm Simon' voted as the friendliest storm name, with 70 per cent of Brits stating it sounded like a 'low-moderate' storm
  • One in ten (10 per cent) drivers never check storm and weather warnings before driving
  • For expert advice on driving in strong winds, visit http://blog.greenflag.com/2017/expert-advice-drive-strong-winds/
     

He's causing a storm across the pond, and new research from leading national breakdown cover provider Green Flag has revealed 'Storm Trump' is the most deadly sounding storm name for UK drivers, topping the list above the destructive 'Katrina' and 'Irma'.

Commissioned following a string of chaotic storms across the world, the research found 17 per cent of British drivers felt a 'Storm Trump' would signal maximum devastation, while just 13 per cent thought the same for Katrina, which inflicted long lasting damage across New Orleans in 2005, and only five per cent for Irma which wreaked havoc across the world earlier this year.

The research also highlighted that nearly half of UK drivers (46 per cent) want storms to be named according to how severe they are, rather than alphabetically, which is the current system employed by the Met Office. For example Storm Simon, an official Met Office storm name topped the list as the least threatening storm name, with 70 per cent of Brits saying it sounded like a low-moderate storm, and over one in five (22 per cent) saying they'd carry on driving during it.

If names were chosen in relation to the severity of the storm, such a change could see a dramatic decrease in Brits driving during storms. While 65 per cent of drivers would carry on their journey during an official storm name such as Caroline, Dylan or Eleanor, just 55 per cent of drivers would persevere in a more severe sounding storm such as Hades, Medusa or Poseidon.

In fact, the difference a storm name makes can be up to a staggering 20 per cent - two thirds (66 per cent) of drivers stated they'd continue driving during 'Storm Simon', while just under half (46 per cent) of drivers would have the nerve to attempt to drive during 'Storm Katrina'.

When it comes to driving in stormy conditions, over two thirds (67 per cent) of drivers only occasionally check storm and weather warnings before driving and, worryingly, one in ten (10 per cent) never check storm and weather warnings before driving.

A further 60 per cent of drivers would carry on driving during historic storm names including Katrina, Irma & Harvey – highlighting the impact more severe sounding storm names would have on drivers.
 

Simon Henrick, Head of News at Green Flag, commented: "While it is clear British drivers are influenced by the name of a storm, the reality is that all storms cause difficulty for drivers and must be approached with caution.

"It's worrying that one in ten of us never check storm and weather warnings before driving, as storms dramatically alter conditions on the road.

"We always advise drivers to check the weather conditions and make sure their car is road ready before driving."
 

In order to give British drivers the best chance of reaching their destination safely in difficult conditions, Green Flag has prepared a list of hints and tips on how to drive during strong winds;
 

  1. Do you have to drive? Avoiding travel in stormy weather is the safest, if not always the most practical, course of action.
  2. Plan your journey and check for disruption
  3. Hold that door! When you’re opening a car door in strong winds, especially from the inside, have a firm grip of the door handle and be prepared for the wind to catch it.
  4. Get a grip – of the steering wheel Make sure to keep grip of the steering wheel with both hands
  5. Leave more room on the road – think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it
     

A full set of hints and tips can be found here:

http://blog.greenflag.com/2017/expert-advice-drive-strong-winds/

Most Deadly Sounding Storm Names For British Drivers

 

Name

Percentage

Trump

17 per cent

Katrina

13 per cent

Hades

7 per cent

Poseidon

7 per cent

Medusa

6 per cent

Irma

5 per cent

Cruella

4 per cent

Brutus

4 per cent

-END-

For further information please contact the Green Flag press office at Frank

0207 693 6999/ [email protected]

 

Notes to Editors:
 

About Green Flag

With over 40 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with

breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by UK Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com

 

Omnibus reference:

Research conducted among 2,005 UK adults by Opinium between 7thand 10th November 2017.