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With the days getting shorter and the dark evenings closing in, it’s important to be aware of how the change in conditions can affect you and your drivers. There is a marked spike in accidents in the weeks following the clocks going back, with road incidents continuing to happen at a slightly higher rate throughout the winter months.

This is not all down to the lower light levels, often the roads are wet and icy or the weather foggy during these months, and this is compounded by the UK’s difficulty in dealing with weather extremes that are only becoming more common.

 

Darkness

Almost everyone who drives will have experienced it once, the comfortable feeling of driving along on a winter night, with the heating on full blast. Tiredness is a common complaint among professional drivers, and staying alert is more important than ever in dark treacherous conditions. Ensure your drivers take regular breaks on long journeys to avoid sleepy drivers becoming a hazard.

Fog

Fog is quite common at night and early morning during the winter months and will impact any driver who doesn’t respect it, especially on unfamiliar roads. Your drivers should be decreasing their speed, and maintaining a longer distance between them and the vehicle in front. It can often be tempting to follow the vehicle in front more closely, as it makes it easier to see the road, but this only increases the chance of accidents. Many drivers forget to use their fog lights, and instead make the mistake of using full beams, which can severely hinder visibility for other drivers and themselves.

Ice

With one of the harshest winters in 50 years predicted, it’s safe to say we’re going to be seeing some ice. It is common, especially in the late winter when grit and salt levels may be running low to see residential roads be covered in snow or ice. Before the winter comes, the tyres of every fleet vehicle should be checked, as worn tires lose a significant amount of grip and can cause stopping distances to be much higher than expected. All vehicles should also be well filled with de-icer, to allow frozen on grit and sand to be cleaned off the windscreen easily.

Would you like some advice to help get your Fleet ready for winter? Are you unsure of whether your drivers are taking regular breaks? We offer cost effective solutions to many of the problems faced by fleet managers. Don’t hesitate to get in touch by phone on 0208 402 2350 or email info@bridgefleetsolutions.co.uk