Stay Safe This Winter: Essential Driving Tips for Darker, Wetter Roads

Stay safe this winter with essential fleet insurance tips. Improve safety and reduce risks on darker, wetter roads during winter driving.

As the clocks go back in the UK and we head into the darker, colder months, fleet drivers face increased risks on the road. Shorter daylight hours, coupled with wet and often slippery conditions, contribute to a higher rate of accidents. Reduced visibility and poor road conditions make it crucial for drivers to adjust their driving habits to stay safe.

Increase your Following Distance

One of the most important adjustments is to follow the 3-4 second rule. Under normal conditions, keeping a 2-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front is standard. However, in adverse weather, like rain or fog, you should extend this to 3-4 seconds. To measure this, pick a fixed point ahead (like a road sign or tree) and when the vehicle in front passes it, start counting: "one thousand and one, one thousand and two," and so on. If you pass the point before "one thousand and four," you're too close. This increased distance provides more reaction time, reducing the risk of collisions if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly or encounters an obstacle.

Speed Management: Easy on the Throttle!

In addition to maintaining a safe following distance, always adjust your speed to match the road conditions. Wet or icy roads can reduce your tyres' grip, making it harder to stop or change direction quickly. Staying within the speed limit is important, but lowering your speed in poor weather is essential for maintaining control.

Mirror Checks and Blind Spots

Regularly checking your mirrors and being mindful of blind spots is also vital, especially in low visibility. Make sure to signal clearly when turning or changing lanes to alert other drivers, and always anticipate the actions of others by looking ahead and being prepared for sudden movements.

Smooth Driving is Key

Finally, staying calm and patient on the road can help avoid risky situations. Avoid sudden movements like hard braking or sharp turns, and always communicate your intentions to other road users. Keep in mind that the braking distance on snow and ice can increase by a factor of ten, which is like comparing the length of a London bus with the length of a football pitch.

Keep an Eye on Fleet Performance

With these defensive driving techniques, you can help your drivers navigate the risks of the winter season more safely and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Remember to regularly check the Flock portal to monitor driving behaviours amongst your fleet and keep your vehicles safe throughout the winter.

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