6 Safe Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

Winter is here, bringing rain, sleet, snow and frigid temperatures. These weather conditions can make it harder for fleet vehicles and drivers to perform safely on the road.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, there’s an average of 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year, and approximately 21% are weather-related.^1. Twenty-four percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, and 15% happen during snowfall or sleet.^2.

Over 70% of U.S roads are located in snowy regions that receive more than five inches of annual average snowfall,^2. meaning that the potential impact on fleet travels can be significant. The estimated annual cost of weather-related delays for trucking companies ranges from $2.2B to $3.5B dollars.^3.

To help keep fleet drivers and vehicles protected and productive this winter season, here are six tips to keep in mind.

1. Winterize fleet vehicles. Have vehicles serviced for routine maintenance before the weather turns for the worse. Check tire pressure and consider switching to snow/winter tires, check the battery, install new windshield wipers, top off windshield washer fluid, change the oil, change air filters, keep gas tanks half-to-completely filled, and wash vehicles to ensure nothing obstructs a driver’s view of the roadway
2. Complete a thorough brake inspection. On snowy and/or icy roads, it can take up to ten times longer to stop a vehicle.^4. So, it’s important to verify that the brake pads, brake discs and steering are all working correctly on every fleet vehicle before the bad weather sets in.
3. Stay on top of weather conditions. Winter weather can be unpredictable. It’s important to check the weather forecast before every road trip to plan the best route. It’s equally important to regularly recheck for weather updates to monitor for sudden storms or snow events. GPS tracking technology can help by automatically updating drivers with the latest weather conditions.
4. Carry an emergency kit. Every fleet vehicle should have a winter kit on hand for emergencies, with water, food, blankets, flashlights, road flares, first aid essentials and reflective vests included. These items are invaluable to keep drivers safe during an emergency, like being trapped on roads cut off by snow. Snow chains should also be in every vehicle that doesn’t use winter tires.
5. Reinforce driving precautions. Remind fleet drivers to exercise more caution while traveling in winter conditions. Remind them to reduce their speed and not follow cars too closely. Also remind them that, should they encounter black ice or slippery snowy roads, and their vehicle starts sliding, to turn into the skid. They should also avoid distracted driving and proceed with extra caution in winding mountain terrains and over bridges which tend to freeze first.
6. Take advantage of telematics. In addition to keeping tabs on weather, telematics and GPS tracking can help drivers and vehicles stay safe in other ways. If an accident or emergency occurs, their exact location can be pinpointed to ensure help gets there quickly. Telematics can also help drivers to reroute if traffic backs up or if weather conditions along an existing route turn bad. 

While winter weather can hinder productivity and increase safety risks, being proactively prepared to drive in it is a fleet’s best defense. Schedule a demo today at verizonconnect.com to see how telematics can help your organization promote fleet safety during winter months and all year round.

^1.https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm

^2.https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm

^3.(Source: "Analysis of Weather Incident Effects on Commercial Vehicle Mobility in Large U.S. Cities," Mitretek Systems) https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm

^4.https://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/2020_OHSP_WinterDriving_Infographic_V5.11_708280_7.pdf