For fleets this winter

For fleets, the winter season is a time when safety becomes the ultimate priority. Every decision can impact operations and vehicles, but more crucially, lives. 

We’ve taken a look at why braking distances increase in winter, how you can reduce risk, and what steps you can take to ensure every journey ends safely.

Why winter braking distances matter

Imagine this: your driver is approaching a junction on an icy morning. They see the light turn red and hit the brakes—but the vehicle slides forward, stopping far later than expected. Even for the most experienced drivers, there’s always that risk. 

In winter, braking distances can double or even triple from the recommended two-second braking time. RAC reported that braking distances can increase tenfold on ice compared to dry roads. For fleets managing multiple vehicles, these extended stopping distances create a heightened risk of incidents, vehicle downtime, and higher insurance costs.

Collision data from the AA’s Accident Assist team showed that crashes rose by 11% in the two weeks following the autumn clock change compared to the fortnight before.

But, it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right preparation, fleets can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and navigate winter safely.

Specialist tips for winter driving

Fleet managers can take practical steps to improve safety, like keeping greater following distances and using smart tools such as telematics to monitor driver behaviour. These changes can make a big difference in keeping everyone safer on the road and reducing claims.

Over the years, we’ve gathered some great tips from Fleet Operators to help keep things running smoothly and safely.

‍1. Maintain greater following distances‍

On icy roads, the standard 2-3 second gap between vehicles isn’t enough. Drivers should aim for a 10-second buffer to account for the significantly longer stopping distances—up to ten times more than on dry roads.

2. Brake smoothly and avoid sudden movements

‍Abrupt braking or harsh manoeuvres can cause skidding, particularly in heavy vehicles. Encouraging drivers to brake gently and steer smoothly helps maintain traction and control.

3. Equip fleet vehicles with winter tyres

‍Winter tyres can reduce stopping distances by up to 40% on snow and ice due to their deeper treads and specialised rubber (Met Office). For fleets, this simple investment can drastically enhance road safety and vehicle control. 

This also impacts breakdowns too. Breakdowns on motorways and major A roads during winter have increased by 22% over the past five years, with tyre issues being the top reason (19.1%).

4. Adjust speed to match road conditions‍

Driving too fast for winter conditions amplifies the risk of skidding or collisions. Reducing speed in snowy or icy conditions gives drivers more time to react, significantly lowering accident risk.

5. Regularly practice emergency stops‍

Familiarity breeds confidence. Conduct controlled emergency stops to help drivers understand how their vehicles handle in icy conditions and prepare them for real-world scenarios.

Leverage technology to monitor and improve driver behaviours‍

Telematics tools like Flock’s Safety Insights can identify risky behaviours, such as harsh braking or speeding, and offer targeted coaching. Fleets using these tools have shown measurable reductions in incident rates and improvements in driver safety scores.

Proactively prepare for winter fleet challenges‍

Proactive planning, from managing vehicle loads to ensuring all vehicles are properly serviced, is key to minimising risks. Incorporating claims insights to track patterns and address fleet-specific challenges further improves safety and efficiency.

Why proactive safety saves more than just money

Fleets that prioritise winter safety take meaningful steps to safeguard their drivers, vehicles, and operations. Preventing incidents reduces the risk of injury, minimises vehicle damage, and ensures fleets remain on the road when they’re needed most. For fleet managers, winter safety is an opportunity to foster a proactive culture where protecting lives and maintaining efficiency go hand in hand, strengthening both the business and its workforce.

Stay ahead this winter

Winter roads demand more attention, preparation, and caution. By understanding the factors affecting stopping distances and introducing proactive safety measures, fleets can navigate the season with confidence.

Equip your fleet with the right tools, from winter tyres to Flock’s advanced telematics, and take control of the risks that winter brings. Because when it comes to fleet safety, every decision matters.

For further insights, explore the linked resources or contact Flock for tailored support. Remember, claims can be reported 24/7 through Flock’s digital tools, with an average reporting time of just 3 minutes—because faster First Notice of Loss means quicker resolutions and lower claim costs.

Let’s make this winter safer for your fleet.

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