Due to the elements, winter is the most dangerous time of year for driving due to the variety of elements that motorists face.
Snow, ice, slush, wet roads, fog and heavy rain can all make driving difficult, but ensuring that your drivers are trained to handle these conditions and take precautions and plan ahead can reduce the chances of an accident.
If you have driving staff, you should hold a safety meeting ahead of or at the start of winter conditions. Doing so can save you from a costly insurance claim or lawsuit.
Preparing for winter driving
Before leaving on their runs, drivers should ensure the vehicle is good working order. They should inspect the windshield wipers, tires, headlines, brakes and other safety equipment. They should also ensure that there is no-freeze fluid in the windshield washer reservoir and that the antifreeze is topped up.
If they find something amiss, they should report it to a supervisor and use another vehicle.
The following preparations will vary depending on conditions in your area. In snowless areas some of them don’t apply:
- Carry chains that fit the vehicle’s tires.
- Drivers should carry a charged mobile phone, preferably one that can be plugged in while driving. This allows the driver to be able to call for assistance if stranded.
- Make sure the vehicle has a full tank of gas before longer trips.
- Carry emergency or repair equipment, including flashlights, flares, fire extinguisher, jumper cables, a shovel, a snow brush and ice scraper. They can also carry abrasive materials like sand, kitty litter and even floor mats that can be used for traction in snow or on ice.
- For longer trips, drivers should carry a bag that contains blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water in case the vehicle breaks down in cold or stormy conditions.
Training topics
There are a number of areas that drivers can be trained in to be better winter drivers, including the following:
- Stopping distances are longer in snowy, icy and wet conditions. Drivers should drive more slowly than usual and keep a longer distance than usual between them and the vehicle in front. This way, if they need to apply the brakes they can do so slowly so they don’t lose control.
- Heavy wind, ruts in the road, ice and snow make it more difficult to manage the vehicle. Drivers should grip the steering wheel for maximum control and avoid sudden movements. They should focus and stay confident in their driving ability to get through difficult conditions.
- Because the traction might be less than optimal, it’s often better to start in a higher gear and take time getting up to traveling speed.
- If the vehicle loses traction and starts to slide, it’s best to take one’s foot off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel into the slide. In other words, if the rear of the vehicle starts to slide right, the driver should gently turn the steering wheel to the right. Once it gains traction, apply steady but firm pressure on the brakes to slow the vehicle.
- If driving in low-visibility conditions, like fog, proceed slowly and use low beams. Drivers should increase their following distance during these conditions and if visibility deteriorates further, they should consider pulling off the road and park the car in a safe place to wait for conditions to improve.
- It’s safer for drivers to gently decelerate and steer around obstacles than slamming on the brakes, particularly in slippery conditions.
- Learn how to identify black ice, which is thin and virtually invisible on asphalt and often resembles a puddle of water. There are signs that may indicate the presence of black ice, including shady spots, under bridges or on overpasses, ice build-up on the vehicle’s mirrors and antenna, and frost on trees and signs.
The takeaway
Winter driving is serious business, and every time your drivers hit the road there is always the risk of an accident that can become a major liability if a third party is injured. You should train your workers in safe winter driving to ensure they aren’t injured in an accident, as well.
Safe drivers help you avoid liability claims or lawsuits, and even workers’ comp claims.