According to a recent report from the Department for Transport, road deaths increased by 4 per cent in 2017.
Driving conditions during the winter can be unpredictable and can change several times throughout the day. The limited amount of daylight can make these conditions even more hazardous, as the dark hides ice and further impairs visibility. If you have employees that regularly drive for work, it’s important that you take adequate precautions to reduce winter driving risks. If you don’t, there could be fatal consequences.
To ensure that your drivers are safe this winter, follow these tips:
- Have all your vehicles serviced. Before it gets too cold, take your vehicles to a garage to have the battery, tyre treads and wiper blades inspected.
- Equip each vehicle with a winter emergency kit. In case your drivers get stranded, they need to have an emergency kit on hand.
- Provide your drivers with winter driving training. Driving in winter weather requires your drivers to adjust certain rules of the road including reducing their speed, doubling the standard following distance and keeping their headlights turned on—even during the day.
Being prepared for adverse weather conditions is the key. Our guide to preparing for heavy snow and icy roads goes through the basics, including useful items to carry in your vehicle and what to do if trapped in your vehicle.
Additionally, Bollington can offer a commercial vehicle driver handbook to companies with employees who drive regularly as part of their work. This could help provide a framework for safe driving to reduce accidents and associated insurance claims. Speak to your account handler for further information.
