Weather Conditions
November 2024
Driver Managers – improve your understanding
Our monthly fleet focus delves deeper into some of the key road safety topics to improve your understanding, with free resources for you to share with your drivers.
Each month’s topic sits in a library so, as the library grows each month, you can access a bank of resources at any time to help you improve driver safety in your organisation.
Weather Conditions – does everyone understand their responsibilities?
Driving is, for most people, the most dangerous activity they do.
Changes in weather conditions could easily make driving more dangerous, whether these are seasonal changes or weather events. Be sure your drivers are aware of the additional risk that comes with heavy rains, strong winds, fog, high temperatures, low sun, ice and snow – and that they adapt their driving style accordingly.
Allow your drivers longer to make their journey and ensure they are empowered to park up if needs be. Encourage your drivers to prepare themselves for extreme weather conditions. Ensure they have appropriate clothing, snacks, and drinks to stay hydrated, and to support them in the case of delay.
For Winter Driving, ask your drivers to pack warm clothing, perhaps even a flask. Make sure tyres are up to the task, and that windscreens and other areas of glazing are clear before they set off. Any snow should be cleared from the vehicle so as not to fall into the path of others using the roads, and remind your drivers to take special care around vulnerable road users.
Your Legal Update: Weather Conditions
Your fleet drivers will assert they are the most competent of drivers and that the vehicle they are driving is well maintained and safe.
Having a safe combination of driver and vehicle is essential whatever driving task they are engaged in.
Fleet managers should therefore consider the impact of the weather, regardless of the season.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends that journey planning should:
- take account of appropriate routes;
- incorporate realistic work schedules;
- not put drivers at risk from fatigue;
- take sufficient account of adverse weather conditions.
Read the full legal update on weather conditions and your responsibilities here.
Driver Resources – Weather Conditions
What’s in the Resource Download
Download a zip file with additional resources to share with your drivers including:
- An article to share with your drivers on seasonal driving and winter prep
- Short safety messages on winter driving to share with drivers on their devices
- Autumn and Winter Driving Posters for your staff noticeboards
- Information sheets from our Van Driver Toolkit
