Commercial Winter Driving Tips

Winter can bring hazardous driving conditions that pose significant risks, especially for companies that rely on a fleet of vehicles. Therefore, ensuring your employees are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate winter roads safely isn’t optional; it’s a requirement. 

In this blog, we’ll share some essential tips that can help you improve commercial fleet safety during the winter months. 

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Proper vehicle preparation is one of the first steps to ensure winter driving safety. Here are some critical points to consider:

Conduct Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checks   

Regular maintenance checks are vital year-round, but they become even more crucial as temperatures drop. Ensure your vehicles undergo thorough inspections, focusing on the battery, brakes, wiper blades, and fluid levels. 

Cold weather can drain batteries faster, so checking the battery's charge and replacing it if necessary is essential. Additionally, make sure the brakes are in optimal condition since icy roads demand maximum braking efficiency.

Invest in Quality Winter Tires   

Investing in high-quality winter tires is one of the most effective ways to enhance vehicle safety during winter. Winter tires are tailored to provide better traction in snow, ice, and slushy conditions. 

Ensure that the tires have adequate tread depth and are inflated to the correct pressure, as cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop.

Be Prepared With Emergency Kits for Winter Driving   

Equip each vehicle in your fleet with an emergency kit tailored for winter conditions. These kits should include items such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, ice scraper, snow shovel, tire chains, and non-perishable food items. 

Having these essentials on hand can be a lifesaver in the event of a breakdown or accident in severe winter conditions.

Safe Winter Driving Tips 

However, winter roads require cautious and skilled driving, even with a well-prepared vehicle. Here are some best practices for safe driving during the winter:

10 Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice   

Driving in snow and ice can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. Here are 10 tips to help you navigate these conditions safely:

1. Slow Down

The key to driving safely in snow and ice is reducing your speed. Slowing down gives you more time to react to unexpected situations, such as a sudden stop or an icy patch on the road. Even if the road looks clear, ice can be invisible, so it’s essential to drive at a speed that allows you to maintain control of your vehicle.

2. Accelerate and Decelerate Gradually 

Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to lose traction, leading to skids or spins. When accelerating, do so gradually to prevent your tires from spinning out. 
Likewise, when you need to slow down or stop, apply the brakes gently and in a controlled manner to avoid locking the wheels, which can lead to a loss of control. 

3. Use Low Gears 

In slippery conditions, using lower gears can help you maintain better control of your vehicle. Lower gears provide more traction and help prevent your wheels from spinning, especially when driving uphill or on winding roads.

4. Avoid Stopping on Hills 

Stopping on an incline in snowy or icy conditions can make it difficult to start moving again without slipping backward. 
If possible, avoid stopping while going uphill. Try to get enough momentum before you reach the hill to carry you over the top without needing to stop. If you must stop, leave plenty of room in front of you and start moving slowly and gradually.

5. Know How to Handle Skids 

Even with the best precautions, you may find yourself in a skid. If your vehicle starts to skid, stay calm and avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go. 
If your rear wheels are skidding, steer in the same direction the rear of the car is sliding. For front-wheel skids, remove your foot from the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow down until you regain control.

6. Don’t Use Cruise Control 

While cruise control is convenient on dry roads, it’s dangerous on icy or snowy surfaces. Cruise control can cause your vehicle to accelerate when it hits a slippery spot, which can lead to a loss of control. Always drive manually in winter conditions to maintain better control over your vehicle.

7. Be Cautious at Intersections 

Intersections are particularly hazardous in winter because they often become icy from vehicles frequently stopping and starting. Approach intersections with caution, reduce your speed well before reaching the stop line, and brake gently to avoid sliding into the intersection.

8. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings 

Keep an eye on the road conditions and be mindful of other drivers. In winter weather, you may need to adjust your driving style based on what’s happening around you. Look out for brake lights ahead, changes in the road surface, and vehicles that may be struggling with traction. 

9. Maintaining Vehicle Control in Slippery Conditions   

Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel and making smooth, deliberate movements is key to maintaining control on slippery roads. 
You should avoid abrupt actions, such as hard braking or sudden acceleration, as these can lead to loss of control. Instead, you should gently ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly to regain traction.

10. Increasing Following Distance and Braking Time   

Winter conditions significantly increase stopping distances. Maintaining a greater following distance from the vehicle ahead is crucial—ideally, about six to eight seconds in snowy or icy conditions. This extended distance provides more time to react and brake safely if the vehicle in front suddenly stops.

Commercial Fleet Safety Through Employee Education and Training 

Training your employees on safe winter driving practices is an essential component of reducing the risk of accidents during the winter months.

Investing in defensive driving courses specifically tailored for winter conditions can be incredibly beneficial. These courses teach drivers how to anticipate potential hazards, react appropriately in adverse conditions, and maintain control of their vehicles. 

Offering this training to employees not only enhances their safety but also helps reduce the likelihood of costly accidents.

For example, driver behavior is a significant factor in winter driving safety. Therefore, encourage drivers to always remain focused and aware of their surroundings. This includes avoiding distractions, such as mobile phones, and staying alert to changing road conditions. 

Stress the importance of reducing speed, even if the roads appear clear, as black ice and other hazards can be difficult to see.

You should also establish a comprehensive winter driving policy. This policy should outline the specific expectations and requirements for employees driving company vehicles during the winter. It should include guidelines on vehicle maintenance, safe driving practices, and protocols for dealing with emergencies. Conduct periodic reviews and updates to the policy to ensure it stays relevant and effective. 

Company Vehicle Safety With OSHA.com 

Winter driving poses unique challenges that require careful preparation and adherence to safe driving practices. A driver’s safety driving knowledge and skills must continuously improve, and through effective driving safety programs, this can be achieved.

One such program is OSHA.com’s Driver Safety Course for Large Trucks and Buses. This course is designed for drivers to improve their driving skills, which in turn will help reduce human suffering and property loss that result from vehicle accidents. 

Prioritizing driving safety, including winter driving safety, not only protects your employees but also ensures the continued operation of your business throughout the entire year. Sign up for our training program today!