TOP TEN WINTER DRIVING TIPS

22nd November 2016

Due to the colder temperatures, motorists are 50% more likely to suffer from a vehicle breakdown in the first 3 months of the year.

The H&S approach to risk is to eliminate, reduce or manage it as far as possible. Passing on Winter Driving Tips can be part of your duty of care towards yourself and employees even if only travelling to and from work rather than as part of their job.

Some journeys like going to work can’t be eliminated but it may be possible to seek alternatives such as train or bus. It may be possible to plan ahead and reduce journeys – with year round benefits in cost and time saving but if you do have to drive, try to control the risk with the following tips:

Planning

  1. Refer to local authority websites for updates on road conditions, accidents and closures.
  2. Make sure that you have certain items in the vehicle with you e.g. shovel, de-icer, warm clothing, and blankets, food and a flask of hot drink, as well as a fully charged mobile phone.
  3. Check anti-freeze levels and carry de-icer in case the locks freeze.
  4. Check tyre, battery and wiper blade condition. Make sure the front, rear and break lights are fully functioning. Double check oil, fuel and windscreen washer levels before setting off.
  5. Take your breakdown help line number and mobile phone with you on all journeys and tell someone at your company or destination when you expect to arrive.
  6. If warming your car up don’t leave it unattended with the keys in the ignition. Many cars are stolen this way by opportunist thieves each year.

Driving

  1. Make sure the windows are properly clear before starting out.
  2. Adapt your driving style to the conditions; allow much longer breaking distances than you would normally.
  3. Start off in a higher gear than normal to reduce wheels spin, be smooth and gentle with the steering and brakes
  4. Be alert for ice, and bear in mind it could lie below freshly fallen snow.

If you do have an accident or breakdown and the vehicle is immobilised

  1. Use hazard warning lights to alert other motorists.
  2. Beware that even if physically unharmed, you may be in shock and apt to say everything is alright when it isn’t.
  3. Keep car occupants well clear of the carriageway.
  4. Be aware that other cars may not be able to stop before hitting you or your car because of conditions
  5. If the accident involves another motorist, follow your company accident reporting procedure or take notes and photos if you have a camera/phone.
  6. Report the claim as soon as you can. The insurers will often sort everything else out.