Many drivers feel ready to tackle Pacific Northwest winter weather.
A poll shows 59% of Northwest drivers report feeling comfortable driving in snow and ice.
PEMCO Mutual Insurance polled Washington and Oregon drivers for their perceptions about their own driving skills and those of fellow drivers. A vast majority of those polled (81%) believed that when it comes to navigating treacherous snowy or icy roads, they’re as or more skilled than other drivers.
Many credit the confidence to prior experience: 64% say they’ve driven in snowy or icy conditions in other regions. However, 58% claim they’re simply more cautious than their fellow drivers.
PEMCO found no significant difference between drivers in Eastern and Western Washington despite different snowfall in the regions.
One question was: “When it’s snowing or there is snow and ice on the road, how comfortable do you feel driving in those conditions?”
More than a quarter (27%) answered “Very comfortable,” and 32% said they were “Somewhat comfortable.”
Poll results differed between men and women: 37% of men reported feeling very comfortable driving in snowy or icy conditions compared with 20% of women.
Half of all respondents say they still feel compelled to commute to work during snowy or icy conditions.
PEMCO commissioned the survey and it was conducted by Qualtrics. The poll asked Washington and Oregon residents questions about attitudes toward current Northwest issues. The sample size includes 420 respondents in the Seattle Metro region, 402 respondents in the Portland Metro area and 383 respondents in the Spokane area.
PEMCO provides auto, home, renters and boat coverage.
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