As the winter season approaches, road safety becomes a huge concern – especially for companies managing fleets. The hazards of winter weather can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the safety of drivers and the integrity of vehicles. It’s imperative to proactively address these challenges before the rain, snow and ice set in. Below, we provide a quick recap of the essential winter road safety tips presented in our webinar, Expert Tips for Creating a Weather-Proof Winter Safety Plan. Get a sneak peek into the expert strategies that both you and your drivers can leverage throughout the winter months and beyond!
The Chilling Reality of Winter Driving Statistics
In the United States, over 5.8 million crashes occur annually, with approximately 21% directly linked to weather conditions. These incidents result in around 5,000 fatalities and more than 418,000 injuries each year. Snow, ice and wet pavement play significant roles in these crashes, with December being one of the most dangerous months to drive due to a combination of factors.
These eye-opening figures emphasize the importance of being prepared to combat winter driving challenges. By understanding the risks, companies can educate their drivers and implement measures to mitigate the impact of winter weather on their fleets.
To Dive Deeper into the Winter Road Safety Tips Listed Below, Download and Watch Our Webinar!
7 Essential Winter Road Safety Tips for Employees
To proactively address these risks, our team recommends that you share the following winter road safety tips with your drivers.
1. Plan Trips Thoroughly
Check the weather forecast and plan routes accordingly. Consider alternative routes that may be less affected by adverse weather conditions.
2. Inspect Vehicles for Each Trip
Regularly check critical vehicle elements like fuel levels, lights, electrical systems, antifreeze and tire pressure. Ensure tires are properly inflated and inspect them for damage and tread loss.
3. Ensure Vehicles Are Properly Stocked
Prepare a winter weather emergency kit in the vehicle, including warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food and water, first aid supplies and more.
4. Get Enough Rest
Combat driver burnout by getting proper rest, taking frequent breaks and recognizing the warning signs of drowsy driving.
5. Wear a Seat Belt at All Times
Seat belts are crucial for protection, reducing the impact of winter-related crashes.
6. Learn Proactive Strategies for Driving in Snow
Teach drivers to slow down, maintain proper distances, use gentle pressure on gas and brakes, be strategic on hills, drive defensively, avoid distractions and keep their fuel tanks full.
7. Know How to Handle Emergency Situations
In emergency situations, drivers should stay with their vehicles, avoid overexertion, be visible to rescuers, ensure exhaust pipes are cleared, find ways to stay warm and conserve fuel wisely.
**Special Considerations for Delivery Drivers & Warehouse Workers**
Delivery drivers and warehouse workers face unique challenges during the winter. Our experts discuss a handful of specific guidelines they should follow to stay safe and minimize risks associated with their jobs.
7 Steps to Establish a Comprehensive Winter Safety Plan
Our safety experts also cover the steps your company can take to protect your team, brand and bottom line throughout the winter season and beyond.
1. Provide Ongoing, Proactive Training
Winter roads require sharp driving skills and extra caution, so it’s essential to keep driver training ongoing. Regular sessions that focus on winter hazards like icy roads, safe following distances and changing conditions are key. Behind-the-wheel training sessions can also help drivers practice these skills, especially under supervision in real-world settings, giving them the confidence they need when the weather gets challenging to navigate.
2. Implement Special Measures for Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers need specific training to handle winter challenges, especially since they’re driving larger vehicles. This includes extra practice with equipment like liftgates and trailers in icy conditions. Training on safe loading, unloading and control in adverse conditions helps these drivers stay safe.
3. Share Frequent Safety Messages
A simple but effective way to keep winter safety top of mind is to send out frequent reminders. These can be anything from quick safety tips, weather alerts or reminders to stay cautious. This keeps everyone informed and helps show drivers that their safety is a priority.
4. Enforce a Winter Safety Policy
A good winter safety policy ensures everyone is on the same page. This should include guidance on checking tires, batteries, lights and fluids before each trip. Encourage drivers to keep a kit of emergency supplies, like blankets, flashlights and sand for traction. Setting up clear procedures for delays or reroutes can also help keep drivers safe.
5. Perform Proactive Winter Vehicle Maintenance
Winter can be hard on vehicles, so proactive maintenance is essential. Make sure each vehicle has winter tires and regularly check tire pressure, brakes, fluids and batteries. Consider adding anti-freeze or using winter-grade oil to keep engines running well in the cold. By handling these details upfront, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep drivers safe.
6. Monitor and Address Poor Driving Behavior
Use telematics monitoring to keep an eye on any risky driving habits, especially during winter when roads are less forgiving. Look for patterns like harsh braking, sudden acceleration or speeding. Combine this with motor vehicle record (MVR) monitoring to spot risky driving violations that require quick remediation. Then, offer targeted coaching and training to ensure drivers improve winter driving skills, remediate specific driving behaviors and better handle difficult conditions.
7. Enhance Fleet Protection with Vehicle Cameras
Equipping vehicles with cameras offers an extra layer of protection for both your drivers and your fleet. Dashcams can capture what happens during incidents, which helps with understanding the situation and even protecting drivers. Cameras also encourage safer driving, as they act as a reminder to be careful behind the wheel. In the case of a crash, footage can be valuable for resolving issues quickly and helping with insurance claims.
Watch Our Winter Safety Driving Webinar On-Demand
The winter season presents challenges, but with the right safety strategy, you can keep your fleet safe. For more in-depth insights, practical winter road safety tips and expert guidance on the tips above, watch the full recorded version of our webinar by visiting the link below!