Men 'overconfident' on icy winter roads Of those women who do get behind the wheel, 91 per cent say they drive more slowly and take greater care - eight per cent more than men. "It is alarming that a minority of drivers appear to make no attempt to drive more cautiously in icy conditions," said elephant.co.uk's managing director Brian Martin. It is also worrying that men have a greater tendency towards overconfidence in their own ability but are more likely than women drivers to lose control of their car and crash. Our survey suggests that men, in particular, need to take more care when driving during severe winter weather. Overall, the survey found that 68 per cent of drivers do not know how to spot black ice - stretches of tarmac which look wet but are really frozen over. Sixty-two per cent of motorists have never received instruction in skid control techniques and 85 per cent said it should be included in driving lessons. Mr Martin advised motorists to be prepared and said a winter driving information film presented by former rally driver Andrew McKenna has been posted on his firm's website. "Accidents can happen to anyone when temperatures drop and roads get icy but you can reduce your chances of a collision," said Martin. Taking extra care, finding out how to spot black ice and learning the best way to control your car if you do skid will go a long way to keep you safe if you have to drive.