Driving in the winter

As a commercial vehicle fleet manager, even if your drivers are well-trained and your vehicles are fully equipped, you cannot control other road users or prevent accidents and delays caused by adverse conditions. If the weather worsens while on the road, drivers may be stranded for extended periods.

That’s why it's essential to ensure that your entire fleet is well-prepared for the most challenging conditions. Here are some practical tips to help you and your drivers navigate winter weather.

Preparing your fleet for driving in the winter

To ensure your fleet is ready for the colder months, keep the following in mind:

• Regularly maintain your vehicles, checking that tyres, tyre pressure, windscreen wipers, brake pads, and batteries are in good condition and functioning effectively.
• Use antifreeze in the radiator and windscreen wash systems to protect your vehicles.
• Consider fitting winter tyres for better performance in snow and ice.
• Equip vehicles with winter emergency packs, including provisions in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Confirm that your fleet insurance is up to date and offers comprehensive coverage.
• Educate your drivers on how to handle various weather conditions and consider offering guidance on what to do during an extreme weather event.

Electric cars in winter

Electric vehicles (EVs) are also impacted by cold weather, which can significantly reduce battery efficiency and charging capabilities. Colder temperatures can also slow the charging process and reduce the effectiveness of regenerative braking.

EV winter driving tips

• Keep vehicles plugged in whenever possible to maintain a full charge.
• Encourage drivers to identify nearby public charging stations before journeys in case of unexpectedly low charge levels while on route.
• Use pre-conditioning features to warm the vehicle’s interior and battery while plugged in.
• Advise drivers to minimise the use of the cabin heater, setting it to the lowest comfortable temperature, and rely on heated seats and the steering wheel if available.
• Encourage driving in ‘eco’ mode to adjust performance settings and conserve battery range.
• Preserve battery life by reducing speed where possible.
• Use DC fast chargers, which can recharge an EV’s battery to 80% in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Winter driver safety tips Even the most highly skilled drivers can struggle in severe winter weather. Here are some precautions your drivers can take to stay safe.

Winter driver safety: before the journey

• Check traffic reports before starting any journey.
• If travel isn’t essential, consider rescheduling appointments.
• Ensure you have a fully charged mobile phone and in-vehicle charging options.
• Allow extra time for potential delays so drivers aren’t tempted to hurry.
• Equip vehicles with winter emergency supplies, such as warm clothing, blankets, torches, tow ropes, high-visibility jackets, a de-icer, scrapers, food and drink, and emergency contact details.

Winter driver safety: preparing vehicles

• Before you set off, you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows (rule 229 of the Highway Code.) Failing to do this can result in police fines of £60.
• Ensure that external cameras and side mirrors are clean.
• Check that all lights are clear and functioning correctly.
• Confirm windscreen wipers work correctly, using antifreeze in the windscreen washer reservoir.
• Ensure that tyres are correctly inflated and suitable for winter conditions.
• Keep fuel levels topped up.

Winter driver safety: during the journey

• Increase your following distance.
• Ensure to accelerate and brake gently on wet or gritted terrain.
• Avoid powering up hills or stopping while going uphill.
• Do not drive through flooded areas.
• Brake progressively before bends.
• Watch out for spray from larger vehicles, which can impair visibility.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your fleet is well-prepared for the winter months, keeping your vehicles and drivers as safe as possible in challenging conditions. For further advice, consult the official Government guidance.

Commercial vehicle insurance from Towergate

We can offer tailored commercial vehicle insurance for your taxi, coach, truck, minibus and more. Our cover will help keep your business on the road.

Call for a quote on 0344 346 1418 or request a quote online.

About the author

Chris North FCII is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is currently Technical Manager for Towergate's motor division, providing expertise on all matters relating to motor fleet insurance, in particular haulage and self-drive hire fleets.

Sources

pendragonvehiclemanagement.co.uk/news-insights/is-your-fleet-ready-for-winter

gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions-226-to-237

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.