As winter rolls in and snow begins to fall, businesses face unique challenges in ensuring safe and efficient transportation for their fleets. Here are some tips to implement in your business to promote safe driving this winter season.
Inspect regularly
Regular maintenance is crucial during winter. Complete thorough inspections focusing on brakes, tires, battery, headlights and tail lights, windshield wipers, and heating systems. This proactive approach can detect potential problems before they escalate.
Vehicle tires should be inspected monthly, especially before long-distance trips. When inspecting tires, wait at least three hours after driving to allow the tires to cool down into their resting tire pressure. The pressure listed on your tire is the maximum amount that should be added. Consider installing snow tires as they are made with a better grip for cold weather and an optimized tread width to prevent the wheels from slipping.
Stock your vehicle with winter essentials
Some supplies you should keep in your company vehicles during the winter are:
- A small snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
- Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
- Blankets
- Cell phone charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine
- Abrasive material, such as sand or kitty litter, to help your car get unstuck from the snow/ice
- A basic first aid kit in case of injuries
What to do in an emergency
If you find yourself in an accident or ditch, follow these tips to keep you and your passengers safe.
When in a multiple car accident, stay inside your vehicle until professional personnel tells you it’s safe, or if you see signs of a fire. Keep in mind, if your vehicle slipped, it’s likely that others will too. The best thing to do is to stay protected in your vehicle from other sliding vehicles.
Finally, whether you are in an accident or slide into a ditch, try and make sure your vehicle can be seen. Put on all of your lights, inside and out, to create a better chance of others noticing your vehicle sooner.
Remember to include these crucial tips in employee training to prioritize the safety of employees during winter driving.
