Safety Tips for Driving in the Snow: Fleet Driver's Guide

Challenges of Driving in the Snow

The winter weather contributes to three fatalities for every 1,000 traffic accidents, highlighting the importance of proper preparation and fleet safety. In the US alone, 24% of weather-related crashes happen on snowy or icy roads, and 15% occur during snowfall each year.

Winter weather also introduces a range of challenges, such as:

• Loss of Traction: Snow and ice make roads slippery, reducing traction and making it harder for vehicles to brake or steer properly. This increases the risk of accidents like skidding, fishtailing, or losing control.
• Visibility Issues: Snowfall, blowing snow, and low-light conditions make it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs.
• Black Ice: Black ice is a thin, transparent ice that forms on roadways, often appearing wet rather than icy. Drivers may unknowingly drive over it, leading to a sudden loss of control.
• Mechanical Challenges: Drivers often experience frozen fuel lines, decreased battery performance, and thickened engine oil. This can lead to vehicle breakdowns, leaving drivers stranded in dangerous situations.
• Driver Fatigue and Behavior: Driving in winter conditions can be mentally and physically exhausting due to the need for constant vigilance and quick reactions.
• Emergency Preparedness: Being unprepared for emergencies like getting stranded in a snowstorm can be dangerous. Winter storms can cause delays, freezing temperatures, and severe health risks for drivers.

Winter Driving Regulations

To address these challenges, regulations have been put in place to ensure that fleet drivers are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge for safe driving. Here’s an overview of the key regulations for winter driving:

Winter Tires Requirements

Some states require winter tires or chains during snowy conditions. The most common winter tires are the following:

• Studded Winter Tires
• Studless Winter Tires
• Studdable Winter Tires

Additionally, there are two common classifications or symbols that can be seen in tires:

• M+S Tires (Mud and Snow), which signifies the tires suitable for light winter but not severe snow conditions. These are popular worldwide, including in extreme weathe regions like North America.
• 3PMSF Tires (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake), which indicates a tire has met specific performance criteria established by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and European regulations. In the following regions, vehicles are required to equip this type of tire during winter:
  • Germany
  • Finland
  • France
  • Sweden
  • Norway

Chain Requirements

Carrying tire chains is mandatory during winter in many mountainous regions. For example, in California:

• Requirement 1 (R1): Snow tires or chains are required
• Requirement 2 (R2): Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow tires
• Requirement 3 (R3): Chains are required on all vehicles without exception

Driving Behavior Guidelines

There are also US regulations regarding driving behaviors during winter conditions. For example:

• Driving Without Due Care: You could be charged with careless driving under the Road Traffic Act 1988 if snow from your vehicle’s roof falls and blocks your view or endangers others on the road.
• Leaving Engines Running: As stated in Highway Code Rule 123, it is illegal to leave a parked car unattended with the engine running on public roads.

Winter Safety Tips for Fleet Drivers

Aside from regulations set to keep road safety during winter, fleet drivers should also follow these tips to ensure safe driving:

Pre-Trip Inspections

Before heading out, conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Make sure to do the following:

• Check that tires are appropriate for the conditions (3PMSF or M+S where required).
• Inspect windshield wipers, defrosters, and fluid levels, especially anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid.
• Examine the battery, brakes, and heating system.
• Identify and address issues beforehand reduces the risk of breakdowns.

Route Planning

Plan your routes carefully to avoid roads notorious for hazardous winter conditions. Use GPS and weather forecasting tools to identify safer paths and bypass areas prone to snow, ice, or road closures. Flexible route planning can also help avoid delays caused by severe weather. Always have alternate routes in your plan to address unexpected conditions.

Driving Habits Changes for Snowy Conditions

Driving in snow and ice requires changes to regular habits to ensure safety. Reduce speed to account for lower traction and increase the following distance to allow more time for braking. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns, as these can cause skidding. Use lower gears on slippery surfaces to improve control, and watch out for black ice, especially on bridges and shaded areas.

Emergency Preparedness for Winter Driving

Having the right supplies in emergencies is essential for safety during winter trips. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials like blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight, non-perishable food, water, and a first-aid kit. Carry tools such as jumper cables, a snow shovel, and traction aids like sand or cat litter. Have a fully charged phone and a roadside assistance contact number always available.

Telematics and Sensors

Technology can be a fleet driver’s best ally in winter. Telematics systems provide real-time information about vehicle performance, allowing drivers to monitor tire pressure, engine health, and more. Additionally, monitoring sensors can detect icy road conditions or proximity to obstacles. It can also monitor driver behavior and provide feedback for improved safety.

Role of Sensors in Winter Fleet Safety

The integration of sensor technologies improves road safety and efficiency in challenging conditions. Here’s how sensors contribute to winter fleet safety:

1. Monitoring Driver Behavior: Telematics systems track driver behavior like speed, braking, and cornering to identify risky actions and help fleet managers provide safety feedback.
2. Maintaining Safe Environments: Sensors monitor road conditions, temperature, and weather to help drivers adjust to hazards like black ice or heavy snow.
3. Preserving Temperature-Sensitive Cargo: Cargo sensors regulate temperature and humidity to protect temperature-sensitive goods, sending alerts for deviations.
4. Providing Real-Time Alerts: Real-time alerts warn drivers of risks like icy roads, obstacles, tire pressure issues, or mechanical faults to manage fleet accidents or delays.

Benefits of Sensor Technologies

With the integration of sensors in fleet vehicles, companies can benefit in various ways, including:

Data-Driven Route Optimization

Advanced sensors combined with telematics systems analyze real-time data to optimize driving routes. This technology gathers information on road conditions, weather updates, and traffic patterns to create the most efficient path. During winter, it becomes especially valuable by helping drivers avoid hazardous areas, such as icy roads or regions with heavy snow.

Cost Savings

Sensor technologies contribute to cost savings in several ways. They can:

• cut downtime and maintenance costs with early issue detection;
• boost fuel efficiency with route optimization; and
• lower accident risks and related costs.

Accident Prevention

Collision sensors and lane departure warnings are key safety features that help drivers navigate challenging conditions, such as low visibility or slippery roads. These advanced systems detect potential hazards early, such as a vehicle lingering in the driver’s blind spot or an unexpected obstacle on the road ahead.

Proactive Maintenance

Sensors monitor vehicle components such as brakes, tire pressure, and engine health, sending alerts when maintenance is required. Identifying and resolving issues like worn-out brakes or low coolant levels before they escalate helps prevent costly breakdowns during winter journeys.