Stay Bright: Winter Driving Tips For Fleets And Drivers
When winter hits Ireland, driving conditions can be treacherous. For drivers, understanding how to navigate these challenges is crucial for safety. Similarly, businesses that rely on cars, vans or trucks can adopt fleet safety management practices to protect both drivers and assets. Sharing practical, seasonally-focused safety information is a valuable way to proactively reduce loss and promote responsible driving. Here are our top 10 tips for fleets and drivers*.
Essential Winter Driving Tips for Individual Drivers
1. Are You Fit To Drive?
Winter brings with it a heightened risk of fatigue amid increased driving in darkness and often additional commitments which can affect your focus behind the wheel. When you feel tired, don't ignore it as microsleeps kill. Unless you are fit to drive, don’t drive. If you feel tired mid-journey, pull in somewhere safe and take a 15 minute break and grab a coffee.
2. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions
Before embarking on any journey, check local weather forecasts and road conditions. If severe weather warnings are issued, consider postponing your trip if possible
3. Prepare Your Vehicle
Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready:
Check Tyres: Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth (at least 3mm) and are properly inflated. Consider using winter tyres for improved grip in icy conditions
Visibility Matters: Ensure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up and includes anti-freeze. Clear all windows and mirrors of ice and snow. Use a de-icer and scraper, but avoid boiling water as it can crack the glass
Lights Check: Ensure all lights are functioning correctly and free from snow or ice. Use dipped headlights in poor visibility conditions
Battery Health: Winter can strain batteries, so check your battery’s charge and age, and avoid short trips that don’t allow it to recharge fully.
4. Adjust Driving Techniques
Winter driving requires a change in how you operate your vehicle:
Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly; stopping distances can be up to ten times longer on icy roads
Smooth Manoeuvers: Avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel, brakes, or accelerator to maintain control
Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle ahead to allow for longer stopping distances
Watch for Black Ice: This hard-to-see hazard can make roads especially slippery, particularly on bridges, shaded areas and rural roads.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle:
High-visibility vest and torch
Tow-rope
Spare bulbs and phone charger
Shovel
Warm clothing and blankets
Non-perishable snacks and water
This kit can be invaluable if you find yourself stranded due to adverse weather conditions.
Supporting Drivers: Fleet Safety Management for Businesses
For businesses operating fleets of vehicles, implementing robust safety management practices is essential during winter months. Here are several strategies to enhance fleet safety:
1. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Conduct thorough inspections of all vehicles before winter sets in:
Check tyre conditions and replace them if necessary.
Ensure batteries are fully charged; cold weather can reduce battery efficiency.
Inspect wiper blades and fluid levels to maintain visibility during rain or snow
2. Driver Training Programmes
Invest in training programmes – online or in-person - focused on winter driving techniques:
Provide resources that educate drivers about handling different winter conditions
Encourage defensive driving practices that emphasise anticipation of other road users' actions
3. Implementing Fleet Telematics Systems
Utilise technology to monitor fleet movements:
Telematics and dashcams can help identify and coach at-risk driving behaviours
GPS tracking helps you manage routes effectively, avoiding areas prone to severe weather
Real-time updates on weather and traffic conditions can help reroute drivers away from hazardous situations
4. Encouraging Safe Driving Policies
Establish clear policies regarding winter driving:
Encourage and enable employees to report vehicle issues immediately
Promote a culture where drivers feel comfortable taking necessary precautions, such as delaying travel during severe weather
5. Emergency Response Plans
Create a comprehensive emergency response plan for your fleet:
Ensure all drivers know what to do in case of a collision or breakdown
Provide contact information for roadside assistance services readily available to drivers.
Conclusion: Getting Home Safe Every Day
Winter driving in Ireland presents unique challenges that require preparation and awareness from individual drivers and businesses alike. By following essential tips such as preparing vehicles properly, adjusting driving techniques, staying informed about weather conditions and being prepared for emergencies, individual drivers can navigate the season safely.
For businesses, embracing best-practice fleet safety management not only creates an environment that protects drivers but also enhances operational efficiency during adverse weather conditions. By being proactive about motor risk, Irish businesses can ensure their fleets remain safe and effective throughout the winter months.
Sources and further reading:
* Note: This blog is an extract from an article that first appeared in the December 2024 edition of Irish Broker Magazine. You can read it and our five prior features in Irish Broker here:
December 2024: “Stay Bright: Essential Winter Driving Tips for Fleets and Drivers”
May 2024: "Hopes, Habits and Reversing Road Safety Decline"
January 2024: "KPIs: Metrics that Matter In Motor Fleet"
September 2023: "Better Business Driving: Insurance Brokers as the Drivers of Success"
February 2023: "Getting Ahead of Costly Motor Claims"
November 2021: "The Path to Sustainable Low-Cost Motor Insurance for SMEs"
2 https://www.aig.ie/insurance/car-insurance/help-advice/winter-driving-stay-safe-on-the-roads
3 https://www.michelin.ie/advice/winter-tyres-guide/winter-driving-advice
4 https://www.zurich.ie/blog/winter-driving-safety-tips/
5 https://www.theaa.ie/blog/the-aas-ultimate-winter-driving-guide/
6 https://www.hsa.ie/eng/vehicles_at_work/driving_for_work/winter_driving_tips/
7 https://www.theaa.ie/blog/top-tips-stay-safe-roads/
9 https://www.driverfocus.ie/blogs/back-from-the-future-hopes-habits-and-reversing-road-safety-decline
10 https://www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com/fleet-safety-focus-monthly-update/weather-conditions/
Related services
Why not support your car or van drivers this winter with DRIVEALERT - online defensive driver training and DRIVESAFE - ADI-led interactive webinar courses