It looks like it’s going to be a busy time for courier drivers and indeed HGV’s too this winter, boosted by locked down shoppers hitting the internet in a frenzy of online purchasing.
But as winter sets in, you need to be prepared for potentially lots of rain, sleet, ice and snow, with freezing temperatures and high winds to boot.
Whilst the odds of us having a ‘white Christmas’ are currently falling (unlike the snow!), even wet weather poses risks that need to be considered.
Our Courier Insurance team have compiled their top tips for staying safe on the road this winter.
Winter driving tips
Check your battery
With your heating turned up, your vehicle will be working hard.
You can prolong its life by turning your heating down once your nice and toasty and remember to switch off you lights, wipers and heater when the engine isn’t running.
Nothing drains a better faster than all lights blazing.
Have a pair of jump-leads in the vehicle
If your battery does let you down, jump leads could get you back on the road.
They can also come in handy if another driver needs a jump start.
Check your lights
Keep your lights clean and check that all bulbs are working, including your indicators, reversing lights and brake lights.
Good visibility is particularly important during dark winter days and poor weather.
Check your oil and coolant levels
Look at your oil levels regularly and top up your engine coolant, anti-freeze and screen wash when needed.
Check your tyres, including the spare
Make sure your tyres have sufficient tread, with 3mm generally recommended for winter driving.
Check your tyre pressures regularly and consider winter tyres if you regularly drive in areas prone to extreme cold, as they are designed to provide better grip in colder conditions.
Replace worn out wiper blades
Your wiper blades will work harder during the winter, so replace them if they become worn. Smeared windows can reduce visibility and make driving in poor weather more difficult.
Have a survival kit in the vehicle
Things to include are:
- Ice scraper
- Shovel – for digging yourself out!
- A hazard warning triangle
- Tow Rope
- Snacks, a Thermos flask of a hot drink, and water- maybe even the obligatory Yorkie bar?
- A torch and new batteries
- First aid kit
- Boots or wellies
- A fleece or warm spare jacket and gloves
- Tissues
- Your charged mobile and spare power-bank
- Spare de-icer, anti-freeze and windscreen wash
Planning is crucial
Whilst it can be argued that time is money and you may have deadlines to meet, keep yourself and other safe by slowing down in bad weather.
Plan your route in advance and check that the sat Nav isnt’ taking over dangerous narrow bridges that may be blocked- have a plan B route as an alternative.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) provide the following advice on road safety.
- Check weather conditions and listen to local bulletins, checking regularly as conditions can change rapidly.
- Try to be realistic about which journeys are essential and which could be postponed. Tell colleagues of your planned trip and timings so they can raise the alarm should something happen.
- Keep your tank full and have a spare canister of fuel.
- Always clear the windows completely of ice and snow and have your heater on full defrost before you set off.
- If your employer provides driver training, take advantage of it.
Be slow, be careful, be safe
Adapt your driving to the conditions, by slowing down and driving smoothly, as stopping distances increase on skiddy surfaces. Avoid hard braking, sharp steering and harsh acceleration. It’s advisable to de-accelerate and use your gears to slow down on icy roads and use brakes very gently.
Take bends and cornering more slowly than normal and leave bigger gaps between yourself and the vehicle in front. You may need up to TEN TIMES the normal distance for braking. Be aware that ice often accumulates in pocket for example under bridges.
Keep your vehicle well-ventilated, as hot cabs can quickly make you drowsy. Take more frequent stops, during which you should clean the windows, wheel arches, lights and numberplates.
Driving in rain
Rain reduces visibility and can make the road slippery, and your vehicle prone to aquaplaning. If this happens, ease off the accelerator and brakes until the tyres get their grip back. RoSPA recommend reducing stopping distances by up to half. Give yourself plenty of time and space for manoeuvres.
Driving through floods
Stay in the middle of the road as water tends to be deeper nearer the kerbs.
If you do decide to try and get through the flood, drive slowly and keep your revs up to avoid stalling.
Be aware of the bow waves caused by oncoming traffic.
Conversely, given you are probably in a higher vehicle, be considerate to other road users and don’t flood them as you speed past! Test your brakes once you are out the other side.
Driving in strong winds
Avoid bridges. For high sided vehicle drivers… don’t go out!
Driving in snow
If your van or lorry does get stuck in the snow, move slowly back and forward in the lowest gear, rather than revving the engine hard.
If you get stranded, stay calm and with your vehicle and call the emergency services on your mobile phone.
We hope these tips help to keep you safe this winter.
Don’t forget we are here to ensure that you have the most appropriate cover for your vehicle and your business.