Driving in Winter
If you employ drivers you will know how important it is that they are prepared for driving in the winter months. It’s an important element of your duty of care to employees who drive to ensure they have everything they need, as we approach the season of colder weather with all that means for the roads, and for those who use them.
Our Van Driver Toolkit consists of 34 modules you can share with your drivers – these include videos and info sheets on Driving in Winter and Driving in Poor Weather Conditions – access here.
This is an excellent poster to share with your drivers
This poster from Highways England reminds drivers of the things they should pack in their vehicles, and the things to be aware of before they set off in a vehicle when the weather may affect their journey.
Things drivers should pack:
- Water
- Warm clothes
- Ice scraper
- Snow shovel
- Torch
- Blankets
- Boots
- De-icer
- Food
- Fully charged mobile phone (and car charger)
Things drivers should be aware of:
- In snow and ice, drivers should stick to the main roads where they can and only travel if really necessary.
- In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes, so drivers should slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible.
- In heavy rain, drivers should keep well back from the vehicle in front, gradually ease off the accelerator if the steering becomes unresponsive, and slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen.
- In fog, drivers should switch on their fog lights and not use lights on full beam as the fog will reflect the light back. If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping in a safe place until conditions improve.
