Greetings, Frosty Fleet Safety Friends!
The now oft-used phrase “Winter is Coming” may have been plucked from fiction, but it has firmly found its place in our everyday vocabulary as a warning to prepare for the inevitable, just like the inevitable Winter that rolls around every year.
Fleet safety managers, take note: Winter is indeed on the way, and now’s the time to ensure your drivers and vehicles are ready to navigate the challenges ahead.
Here’s how to keep your fleet SAFER, more efficient, and better prepared for the cold season.
🛠️ Level Up Fleet Defensive Driving Skills
Winter driving is no joke—2022 saw 498 fatal crashes and over 32,000 injury crashes on snowy or sleet-covered roads. Ensure your drivers refresh their fleet training to handle icy conditions, black ice, and sudden snowstorms. Emphasize slowing down, safe following distances, and gentle braking. Even experienced drivers can benefit from a winter driving refresher to stay safe on treacherous roads.
💨 Special Focus on High Profile Vehicles
Fleet drivers operating high profile vehicles, such as vans, trucks, or utility vehicles, face unique challenges during Winter. Strong crosswinds and slick roads can make these vehicles prone to tipping, especially when they’re carrying heavy loads. A targeted high profile vehicle fleet training session can prepare your drivers to handle sharp gusts, snowdrifts, and sudden lane changes with confidence.
🔍 Winterization: The Fleet Safety Manager’s Essential Checklist
Winterizing your fleet is more than just switching out wiper blades and topping off antifreeze. Go the extra mile by ensuring that all fleet vehicles are stocked with emergency kits. These kits should include tire chains, snow shovels, high-visibility vests, blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable snacks. Test batteries, check tire pressure and tread, and make sure all lights are fully operational. A well-prepared fleet not only keeps your drivers safe but also minimizes costly breakdowns and delays.
🔋 Gas Up or Plug In
Cold weather doesn’t just impact road conditions—it affects your fleet’s fuel and battery performance too. For gas-powered fleet vehicles, keeping the tank close to full prevents condensation buildup, which can freeze and cause engine trouble. For electric and hybrid fleets, ensure batteries are fully charged and plugged in overnight to minimize drain from cold temps. A warm, charged battery means your fleet is ready to roll, no matter how low the mercury drops.
🌨️ The SAFER Model for Fleet safety Training
At NTSI, we don’t teach fleet drivers how to drive, we teach them how to drive SAFER:
- S: Safer practices in extreme weather
- A: Awareness of changing road conditions
- F: Focus on proactive vehicle maintenance
- E: Education on defensive driving techniques
- R: Responsibility for self and cargo safety
Winter is coming—equip your fleet to meet the challenge head-on, ensuring your drivers stay SAFER, your vehicles stay on the road, and your business stays on track through whatever this season throws your way whether it is ice zombies, terrible final seasons, or simply wintry roads.
Stay safe out there!
