Winter in Fleet: A guide for safer winter driving
Did you know that weather conditions are a contributing factor in 14% of all serious injuries on UK roads, according to National Highways data?
Additionally, insurer Direct Line Group found that an astonishing 15% of drivers don’t adjust their speed in heavy rain or snow - and 31% don’t slow down for wet surfacing.
As winter comes around, low light and inclement weather make our roads a hazardous place for drivers - particularly those behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles.
However, by taking the right precautions this winter, fleets and their drivers can help to reduce risk - both to themselves, and other road users. In this article, we discuss some of the ways fleets can keep their drivers safe on the roads throughout the colder months.
Ensuring safe winter driving for fleets
While safe winter driving is a crucial consideration for all drivers, it's all the more important for those driving larger, heavier commercial vehicles like vans and HGVs.
It’s essential to ensure your vehicles and their drivers are equipped to deal with more challenging road conditions, reducing incident frequency, travel time, and potential vehicle downtime in the winter months.
Prepare your commercial vehicles for winter
Preparing your vehicles for more hazardous conditions is key for reducing risk and potential downtime. Here are some of the key checks fleets must conduct in the winter months:
Lights, beacons, and signals - check all lights, signals, and beacons to ensure they’re working properly and helping to increase visibility, both for drivers and other road users
Tyre pressure and tread - ensure tyre pressure & tread depth is checked regularly to ensure adequate grip, particularly important for heavier vehicles
Batteries - ensure your vehicles’ batteries are in good condition for the colder months, as getting the engine started can be more charge-intensive in winter
Wipers and screenwash – make sure screen wash is topped up to account for the extra salt spray, and that you’ve added an anti-freezing agent to your wash bottle
Vehicle electrics and heating system – ensure all electrics are functioning properly in the colder conditions, particularly heating, accessories, and onboard equipment
Make sure drivers have the right equipment & training
Driver readiness is a vital part of ensuring safe, risk-free winter driving across your fleet. Make sure your drivers have the right equipment in their cabs to both ensure safe onward travel, and ensure their safety & comfort in the event of an incident.
Essential equipment for fleet drivers to have in their vehicles this winter:
Ice scraper & de-icer - Essential but easily forgotten tools for getting your vehicles moving on cold winter mornings, and a valuable back-up if heating systems should fail
Snow shovel - Snow can fall quickly and unpredictably, and a small shovel is always handy to have onboard should the vehicle become stuck
Spare wiper blades and bulbs - Wipers and bulbs can wear out much quicker in winter, so it’s always handy for your drivers to have spares in the vehicle in case they’re needed
Rock salt - While most busy roads are gritted in winter, a spare bag of salt can be incredibly useful if your drivers get stuck, or need to navigate a snow-covered road
In-car phone charger - Vital for keeping your drivers connected should there be any delays, or need to contact support or response services during their journey
Jump leads - Batteries can de-charge more quickly in winter. A pair of jump-leads is always helpful to have as a backup to get the vehicle started if the battery should fail
Warm clothing and blankets - Ensuring your drivers are comfortable in the colder weather, particularly if they’re held up, or required to stop at the roadside
Low-tint sunglasses - A great way to counter glare from wet roads, and bright headlights, without impeding visibility in lower light
Water & non-perishable food - Essential provisions in the event of an incident or unexpected hold-up in the journey, and to counter the effects of cold temperatures on the body
Order your Activate Parts winter travel kit
If you’re a sopp+sopp customer, you can get in touch with your account manager to order your fleet winter driving essentials, or contact the Activate Parts team directly below:
Tips for safe fleet driving in winter…
Be prepared for changes in weather
Listen to the weather forecast before you travel. If ice and snow are forecast, travel on main roads as much as possible as these are more likely to have been salted.
Allow extra time to travel
Take time before you drive to remove ice and snow from your vehicle and allow windows to clear.
Remember, you may need to slow down in poor weather conditions, so your journey could take a little longer than usual.
Give other drivers plenty of space
In wet, icy or windy conditions, make sure you leave even more space than usual between you and the vehicle in front.
If heavy rain makes your steering feel light, ease off the accelerator to slow down.
Make sure you’re visible
If visibility is reduced, use your lights and beacons to make sure you can be seen by other road users.
When driving in fog, fog lights are better than full beam as the fog will reflect bright lights back to you.
In summary
Driving in winter can be hazardous but there a few things you can do to to reduce the risks:
Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking lights, tyres, wipers and electrics.
Carry winter essentials, including ice scraper, snow shovel, warm clothes and blanket, in-car phone charger, snacks and water.
Check the weather forecast before you travel and leave extra time for your journey in poor weather.
Stay alert to road conditions and leave extra space between you and the driver in front.
Use lights to improve visibility and ensure you can be seen by other road users.
For more great tips to reduce risks when driving, visit Driving for Better Business.