Winter weather conditions pose a formidable challenge for commercial drivers, turning over 70% of U.S. roads into treacherous terrain. A quarter of all weather-related vehicle crashes are caused by icy, slushy or snowy pavements, contributing to over 1,300 deaths and 116,000 injuries annually, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Ensure your fleet and drivers don’t fall victim to these statistics with these invaluable driving safety tips tailored for commercial vehicles.

Enhancing Commercial Vehicle Skid Safety

Winter driving can be treacherous, especially when it comes to skidding. These dangerous slides can have fatal consequences at high speeds. Commercial drivers can mitigate skids by adapting to the road conditions and honing the skills necessary to regain control.

Effective Skid Safety Techniques for Commercial Vehicles

Unfavorable road conditions and slippery surfaces can transform commercial vehicle skidding into a dangerous situation. Equip your drivers with these essential skid safety procedures:

• Maintain Composure: In the event of a skid, remaining calm is essential to regaining control.
• Understanding Skids: Familiarize drivers with both oversteer and understeer skids to respond effectively.
• Power Management: Decrease power to the wheels by releasing the accelerator pedal to help slow down.
• Steering Precision: If the vehicle starts to fishtail, instruct drivers to gently steer in the same direction of the skid to regain control.
• Braking Techniques: Emphasize the application of gentle and steady pressure on the brake pedal to prevent skids from worsening.
• ABS Utilization: In vehicles equipped with ABS, instruct drivers to apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal in a skid situation to prevent wheel lockup.

Winter driving poses unique challenges, demanding extra caution from drivers. Utilize these driving recommendations to keep your fleet and drivers safe out on the road.

• Controlled Speed: Encourage drivers to slow down in adverse weather conditions to maintain control and improve reaction time.
• Safe Following Distance: Advocate for increased distance between vehicles, allowing ample time to react to sudden stops or changing road conditions.
• Slippery Condition Preparedness: Promote driving practice in slippery conditions to enhance driver preparedness and comfort.
• Anticipate Stops: Emphasize gradual deceleration well ahead of intersections, providing sufficient time for a safe stop.
• Strategic Lane Changes: Instruct drivers to plan lane changes by checking mirrors and blind spots and signaling intentions to traffic behind.
• Adapting to Snow: Caution against over-acceleration in deep snow, as aggressive acceleration may cause wheelspin with little forward progress.
• Clear Visibility: Stress the importance of clearing all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights and roofs of snow and ice to optimize visibility.
• Effective Illumination: Encourage the use of headlights to improve visibility, even during daylight hours, and activate fog lights when necessary.
• Caution on Black Ice: Highlight the significance of caution in areas prone to black ice, which is often invisible but hazardous.
• Weather Awareness: Urge drivers to stay informed about weather reports and road conditions before going out on the road, keeping an eye out for advisories, closures and detours.
• Prioritize Safety: In cases of severe weather, emphasize the importance to consider waiting for conditions to improve.
• Fatigue Management: Promote the scheduling of regular rest breaks to combat driver fatigue and ensure alertness.
• Practice Skid Recovery: Recommend skid recovery techniques practiced in a controlled environment through various driver training programs.

Preparedness for Commercial Driver Safety

Before venturing into winter driving, a comprehensive assessment of vehicle readiness is imperative. Utilize this checklist to ensure a well-equipped fleet:

• Routine Vehicle Servicing: Regularly service and assess the battery, brakes, tires and other vital systems to ensure prime vehicle condition.
• Winter Tires: Installing tires designed for cold weather and icy conditions can enhance traction and handling on snowy and icy roads.
• Snow Chains: Advocate for the inclusion of these tools, which provide additional traction on slippery roads, in all vehicles, especially when traveling in areas prone to heavy snowfall,.
• ABS & Traction Control: Verify these systems are in working order and can assist in maintaining control on slippery surfaces.
• Emergency Kit: Assemble a comprehensive kit, including essential items like a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit and a shovel, in case your driver becomes stranded.

Commercial Vehicle Winter Insurance Considerations

Connect with your trusted insurance advisor to evaluate and assess your current insurance policies. It's crucial to work with a broker with expertise in your industry to assess your business' unique needs and find the right combination of coverages. Each organization has unique risks and the appropriate insurance coverage can vary, so a tailored approach is essential to ensure comprehensive protection for your commercial vehicle drivers and company. Consider these essential insurance coverages to protect your fleet and drivers:

• Commercial Auto Insurance: A fundamental coverage for companies utilizing vehicles for business purposes. It provides protection against liability cases for bodily injury and property or physical damage to the vehicle.
• General Liability Insurance: Protects the business if a driver is responsible for an accident, covering damages and legal expenses for bodily injury and property damage incurred by third parties.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A critical coverage that ensures the protection of employees, including commercial drivers, from work-related injuries, offering medical benefits and compensation for lost wages.
• Fleet Safety & Risk Management:  Although not classified as insurance coverage, implementing fleet safety and risk management programs can help reduce accidents and lower insurance costs. It's a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of your drivers and vehicles.

We’re Here to Help Protect Your Fleet & Drivers

Ensuring the safety of your fleet and drivers is a top priority. Our experts offer valuable guidance and support to help navigate the challenges of winter driving. Avoid being caught unprepared for winter conditions. Stay well-informed and adequately prepared and always prioritize safety. For additional tips to prepare your fleet and drivers for winter conditions, connect with a member of our team.