Fleet risk management: Driving safely in adverse weather conditions

Winter conditions can significantly increase driving risks. Adverse weather and road conditions can make driving more difficult, increasing the likelihood and severity of incidents. To prepare for winter, you can take steps to help drivers and mitigate fleet risk during the colder months, including:

1. Ensuring drivers have the right equipment

Remind drivers to come equipped or be provided with the following items: 

• Ice scrapers and de-icer to help clear windscreens and windows for proper visibility. Driving without a full view of the road is a criminal offence.
• A working torch for vehicle breakdowns and high-visibility clothing.
• Shoes with good grip to safely access and exit vehicles. 
• Warm clothes and a blanket in case of becoming stranded in cold conditions or waiting for vehicle recovery. This is particularly important for delivery service partners (DSPs) servicing more remote locations. 
• Emergency signage, such as a warning triangle placed 45 metres behind the vehicle, to alert other motorists and reduce the likelihood of a collision. 
• A phone charger to ensure drivers can request assistance in the event they get stuck or encounter problems on the road.
• Jump cables to help in vehicle breakdowns.
• A snow shovel, especially for travel on remote roads that may not be cleared of snow.
• Suitable food and drink in case of being stranded or waiting for vehicle recovery in cold conditions. 

2. Carrying out vehicle checks

Check vehicles to ensure:

• Tyre tread depths are sufficient and pressures are correct. Maintaining good tyre condition is vital in winter for vehicle control.
• Windscreen wash levels are topped up. The increased use of gritting salt on roads and adverse weather can cause windscreens to become dirty and obscured. It’s important for drivers to routinely clear their windscreens to maintain visibility.
• Lights are in working order and not obstructed by snow or ice. It’s vital to ensure the driver can see in poor weather and is visible to other road users in dark and other low visibility conditions. 

3. Conducting tool box talks

Provide tool box talks (health and safety briefs) to ensure that drivers are aware of driving and behaviour expectations. Important topics to include are:

• Speed reduction to accommodate poor road surface conditions (due to water or ice, for example) that can lead to increased stopping distances. 
• Vehicle systems, such as window demisting and fog lights, to make sure drivers use them appropriately. Drivers should be instructed not to leave a parked position until the vehicle is in a safe condition (for example, does not have fogged windows). 
• Black ice and other specific hazards. Black ice can be detected by noting shiny road surfaces, despite a lack of rainfall, or noting other vehicles suddenly slowing down or swerving for no apparent reason. 
• Fatigue and sleep, as fewer daylight hours may affect both. 

We hope this information helps you keep your drivers safe during the winter months. For questions on managing fleet risk, please contact your Marsh adviser.