Winter driving provides additional challenges which can lead to dangerous consequences if care isn’t taken.
We can’t defy the laws of physics – it just takes a lot longer to stop on heavily wet or snowy roads - even on treated roads. It is often the rear-end shunt that is the most common type of collision.
So, to help you and your drivers this winter, we've put together 20 key points that you need to know, and use, to reduce the risk of a collision.
GENERAL WINTER DRIVING
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time for management to spring into action to include these safety messages when talking to your drivers:
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1. Remember! Stopping distances are up to 10 times longer on slippery roads
2. Create a bigger gap in front of you to provide extra space to manoeuvre and stop
3. Slowing down gives you a better chance of not being involved in a rear-end collision
4. Driving smoothly with no harsh braking or harsh acceleration is key and cuts the cost of diesel |
Tell your drivers the aim is to get there safely not quickly. It’s a fact that it might take a little longer on slippery roads – they can’t change that.
WINTER DRIVING - DAILY CHECKS
During the cold weather months, it's also crucial your drivers do not underestimate the importance of their daily defect checks.
Make sure to remind them to…
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5. Check that tires are in good condition with more than the minimum tread. Traction is key, especially on icy roads!
6. Ensure they have the correct coolant levels to prevent engine issues in the cold weather
7. Fill the windscreen washer with screenwash that will not freeze and double-check that the wipers are in best condition for clear visibility |
There are no shortcuts to safety. Whatever the weather it is the driver’s duty in law and for public safety to ensure the vehicle being driven is roadworthy. |
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DRIVING IN FOG
This is a good time of year to get your drivers together in small groups for a short toolbox talk to highlight not only the risks associated with winter driving, but also to remind them of the things they need to do to avoid getting into trouble on the roads.
Fog and mist can descend quickly causing havoc and drivers drive too fast in fog. A perfect example of this is the Sheppey Bridge mass collision in 2013, which involved 130 vehicles. |
8. Approaching fog – check your rear mirror and brake gently to reduce speed
9. Drive slowly – reducing your risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead being driven slowly
10. Use dipped headlights – they do not cause false shadows or dazzle the driver in front
11. Use rear fog lights – only if visibility is greatly reduced, and you can’t see the vehicle in front or behind, but switch them off when you can see the vehicle behind’s lights otherwise you will dazzle the driver
12. Do not tailgate – leave a good distance behind you and the car in front
13. Wind your window down – this enables you to hear and feel what traffic is around you
14. Use wipers and the vehicle's ventilation system fan which should be on to keep your windows clear
15. Don't speed up when the fog clears – you could find yourself back in it quickly. |
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DRIVING IN WINTER SUN
Winter sun can cause a problem for drivers this time of year resulting in temporary blindness if they’re not prepared for it.
Here are 5 safety messages to remind your drivers of what they can do to drive safely whilst driving in low and variable sunlight conditions:
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16. Make sure your windscreen is clean and smear free reducing the glare
17. Check your wiper blades are clean, and in good condition, to help prevent smearing
18. Have your sunglasses to hand so you can put them on. |
Then, whilst they’re driving… |
19. Slow down when driving into the sun and be aware that if the low sun is behind you oncoming drivers may not see you clearly
20. Increase your gap behind the vehicle in front to 6 seconds (HGV’s), and to 4 seconds (Vans and cars). |
All the above precautions reduce the risk of having a collision if your drivers or other road users become temporarily blinded by the low sun. |
WANT A FREE PRINTABLE POSTER?
It's crucial that you make it your policy to ensure all of your drivers are aware of the risks associated with winter driving.
To help you, we're offering a free, PDF copy of our Winter Driving Poster to print out and display on your noticeboard. Just email susie@roadskills.biz and we'll get a copy over to you.
Alternatively, if you'd like to talk to us about our e-learning solution, and how it can help your business, please call us on 01202 923092 and we'll be happy to chat.
Kind regards,
Susie Marsh
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