Do you always keep a road atlas to hand when you’re heading off on tour?

If so, you’re in good company, with an AA survey revealing two thirds of drivers have one. Despite this, it’s been found that the majority are failing to update theirs frequently enough to deal with the changing infrastructure of the roads.

The Yonder poll of more than 15,000 drivers found nearly one in five admitted to never replacing their road atlas. Another 11 per cent said they hang onto theirs for more than five years before updating it, while 18 per cent said they do this every three years. The survey found only seven per cent will renew it every year, in line with AA recommendations.

Drivers in Northern Ireland and Scotland were found to be the least inclined to buy a new copy, with the poll revealing 21 per cent and 20 per cent respectively still had their original road atlas.

On the flip side, it was found that the East and West Midlands were the most conscientious about updating theirs, with nine per cent replacing theirs each year.

Edmund King, AA President, commented, “Two thirds of drivers still have an atlas but too many of them are out of date. Despite the advent of the sat nav, AA atlases are still an essential in-car item alongside the ice-scraper or torch. When roads are blocked following an incident many sat navs just try to re-route back onto the blocked road, whereas the atlas can show you alternative routes. When planning a road trip, nothing quite compares to the excitement of turning the pages of an atlas. Even the Queen has been spotted with an AA Atlas.”

Do you prefer to use a sat-nav to a road atlas? Then be sure to look at our guide to the best motorhome sat-navs.

Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for a new motorhome, in which case, be sure to check out our buying guides. We share our top picks, from the best motorhome for full time living to the best 4 berth motorhome. You can also read our guide to the best motorhome manufacturers to find out about the different brands out there.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay on your next tour, our best motorhome sites guide will help you pick the ideal location too.

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