Greetings, Fleet Safety Pros Braving the Chill!
The Winter Solstice, arriving on December 21, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Scientifically, it’s when the Earth’s axial tilt places the North Pole furthest from the Sun—a cosmic cue that Winter is officially in full swing. The solstice has long been a marker of renewal, urging us to prepare for the year ahead—something fleet drivers can take to heart as they navigate the holiday rush and increasingly challenging winter driving road conditions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 there were 498 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 32,213 injury crashes caused by snow or sleet. For those dodging snowflakes or rain puddles, preparation is key.
🚛 Winter Driving This Solstice Season
As you roll into a season full of potential ice, snow, and frenzied holiday traffic, NTSI wants to share some of the usual suspects from our SAFER toolbox, along with a few fleet-focused strategies, to help your drivers stay safe and confident in inclement weather. Let’s dive in!
🛡️ Layer Your Vision Protection
Snow glare and low-angled sunlight can create dangerous blind spots, especially for fleet drivers navigating tight schedules. Keep your windshields spotless, replace wiper blades seasonally, and equip drivers with polarized sunglasses for extra clarity.
Pro Tip: Add anti-fog coatings to interior glass to maintain crystal-clear visibility during sudden temperature changes. This simple step can significantly enhance defensive driving in cold weather.
🔗 Master the Art of Traction
Winter driving demands tools and training that keep your fleet grounded—literally. Tire chains or snow socks are vital for fleets operating in snowy regions. Make sure your drivers are properly trained to install and remove them safely. Poorly fitted chains can cause more harm than good.
Pro Tip: Store gloves and a headlamp in each vehicle to ensure drivers can handle installations safely and efficiently, even in low-light conditions.
🚦 Read Between the (Road) Lines
Inclement weather often obscures painted road markings, making navigation trickier for commercial vehicles. Train your drivers to look for alternative visual cues like the road crown (camber), reflective markers, and roadside trees to stay on track and centered.
Pro Tip: Consider equipping fleet vehicles with high-visibility reflective markers for emergency situations. This ensures your drivers have extra guidance when weather conditions are at their worst.
📱 Know Your Tech
Fleet vehicles often come equipped with advanced safety features like traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and lane assist systems. These tools are invaluable, but only if your drivers know how to use them effectively. Add regular “Tech Refresh” sessions to your fleet safety programs to keep your team informed about these features’ capabilities and limitations.
Pro Tip: Provide quick-reference guides in each vehicle so drivers can review key system features before hitting the road.
🌴 No Snow? No Problem—Or Is It?
For fleet drivers cruising sunnier locales (California, we’re looking at you), winter isn’t without its quirks. Rain-slick roads and cooler evenings can create sneaky hydroplaning hazards. Remind your team to ease off the gas when the pavement glistens—it’s slipperier than it looks. And while snow-free roads might seem enviable, every region has its own challenges—fleet safety knows no borders!
Pro Tip: Increase tire rotation frequency during rainy seasons in warm climates. Even wear improves traction and reduces the risk of hydroplaning, especially for utility vehicles carrying heavier loads.
An Extra SAFER Step: Take the Training
Holiday stress and unpredictable weather aren’t going anywhere, but fleet safety doesn’t have to feel out of reach. NTSI Fleet’s Inclement Weather Defensive Driving Course is designed to sharpen your team’s winter driving skills and build confidence when the weather turns treacherous. From navigating black ice to reading subtle weather patterns, this course equips drivers with the tools they need to face the elements—whether it’s snow or soggy streets.
NTSI’s fleet driver training programs are designed to help commercial drivers handle the toughest road conditions with confidence. From advanced defensive driving techniques to customized safety programs tailored for fleets, we’re here to support your team year-round.
The Winter Solstice might mark the darkest day of the year, but your fleet’s path can shine brightly with preparation and defensive driving skills.
Stay safe out there!
