Top tips for your fleet drivers this winter
Nights are drawing in, bad weather is on the horizon and temperatures are set to plummet… winter is on the way, making driving a real challenge. We take a look at some of the challenges facing fleet drivers in the coming months and the steps all motorists can take to keep safe on the road and help to reduce winter motor claims.
Starting preparation early can help ensure your business doesn’t grind to a halt when the weather is bad.
Routine maintenance checks
Regular checks are key to managing any fleet. Consider using winter tyres for your fleet vehicles, which will allow them to drive over ice and snow with greater ease than general tyres.
Essential safety tips to keep your fleet moving
When bad weather hits, encourage drivers to consider whether their journey is essential, if not then it’s advisable to wait until the weather is better. As this isn’t always an option for your business, plan your drivers’ journeys, avoiding areas prone to flooding or heavy snowfall, and allow extra time for slower speeds and traffic congestion.
The Highway Code dictates drivers must be able to see clearly out of all windows before setting off on their journey.
Before setting off drivers should check windscreen wiper blades are fully functional, fill up with fuel, always carry a fully charged mobile phone and make sure tyres have the legal tyre tread depth. Use a good quality screenwash, ensure drivers have the number of your breakdown provider handy. A square of carpet that can be put under drive wheels can be a great asset to help your drivers to get moving in the snow.
Encourage drivers to pack essentials, such as a warm blanket, torch, food, drink, wellies, de-icer, ice-scraper, spade, hi-vis jacket and emergency warning triangle. Cold and wet conditions invariably lead to fog and impaired vision: drivers should drive slowly and not use fog lights unless visibility is seriously impaired. (Turn them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.)
Drivers should also watch out for glare from low sunlight and other headlights – ensure the windscreen is clean inside and out to reduce the dazzling effect.
Contact PIB to help keep your fleet on the road this winter, click HERE.
