Driving can be hazardous at any time, but the dangers increase significantly when a winter storm strikes. Snow, ice, and sleet can turn roads treacherous and reduce visibility, putting even the most experienced drivers to the test. Learn how to prepare for winter storm conditions and help protect your vehicles and employees using our motor carrier and driver safety tips below. For further assistance, please contact our Loss Control Department at 800-782-8902 x3805 or safety@lancerinsurance.com.
WINTER STORM SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTOR CARRIERS
Winter storms can make driving extremely hazardous, especially for commercial vehicles. To minimize the risk of accidents during adverse winter weather, motor carriers operating in areas prone to winter storms should take the following precautions:
Prepare Your Organization
Monitor the weather. Use reliable sources like local broadcast stations, NOAA Weather Radio and State Department of Transportation websites to stay updated on weather and road conditions. Pay close attention to winter weather watches and warnings and heed all state and local advisories.
Remind employees of key elements of your company's emergency preparedness plan related to winter storms. Make sure all personnel have a clear understanding of winter storm protocols, including communication procedures.
Download a printer-friendly version of our WINTER STORM SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS and distribute it to your team. By remaining cautious and following these essential guidelines, drivers can help minimize risks when traveling in areas at risk for winter storms.
Prepare Your Vehicles
Strongly consider delaying or cancelling any trips that may not be able to be completed safely due to weather conditions.
Ensure vehicles are fully fueled before the storm arrives. In extremely cold temperatures, a full tank helps prevent condensation from forming inside the tank, which can lead to fuel line freezing. Additionally, power outages and weather-related fuel delivery delays could lead to shortages after the storm.
Equip all vehicles with tire chains as required by state laws. Make sure that drivers know how to install them properly.
Establish a communication system that requires scheduled contact times with your drivers so they can be updated on conditions. Have a backup communication plan in place in case primary systems fail. Enforce your electronic device usage policy so drivers are not using cell phones while operating the vehicle.
WINTER STORM SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS
(Download a printer-friendly version of these tips.)
When a winter storm strikes, drivers face unique challenges. Drivers can minimize the risks when driving in wet, wintry conditions by being extra vigilant and taking the following precautions:
Complete a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection (49 CFR 396.13). Follow federal regulations and ensure that key components like tires, lights, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and radiator are functioning properly. If hauling freight, double check that all loads are secured properly as severe weather increases the risk of the cargo becoming dislodged or shifting mid transit. Extreme weather may also cause tiedowns and/or tarps to loosen.
Pack an emergency kit. Carry essentials such as a cell phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a small shovel, an ice scraper/snowbrush, first aid supplies, extra wintry weather clothing, a blanket, non-perishable food, bottled water, and any necessary prescription medications.
Plan your route carefully. Identify alternative routes in the event winter storm conditions affect your planned path and allot extra time to reach your destination. If you use a global positioning system (GPS) or navigation app, make sure it is designed for commercial motor vehicles and updated with the latest vehicle-specific mapping data.
Check the weather forecast as part of your trip-planning routine, and every hour or two throughout your journey as conditions can change rapidly. If extreme weather is predicted along your route, consider postponing your trip to avoid unnecessary risks. Take winter weather advisories very seriously.
Clear the windshield, lights, reflectors, and mirrors of snow and ice before leaving and frequently along the way. Turn on your low beam headlights, windshield wipers, and defroster to maximize visibility. Follow local and state laws for using headlights when windshield wipers are in use.
Recognize hazards early by keeping your eyes moving and your attention on the road. Take regular breaks to help avoid snow hypnosis.
Slow down, even if roads have been treated with sand or salt. Driving at lower speeds will help you maintain better traction. Following the tire tracks of other vehicles can also improve your grip on the road.
Add more space around your vehicle. A large buffer zone gives you more time to react to hazards and improves your visibility. Avoid traveling in packs of vehicles—if you are catching up to clusters of traffic, ease off and create space.
Use gradual movements. Avoid sudden starts, stops, turns, lane changes, or acceleration. These movements can cause your vehicle to skid or lose control on slippery roads.
Exercise extreme caution when approaching and driving on elevated surfaces. Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze faster and remain icy longer than other roadways.
Keep a safe distance from snowplows and be patient. Only pass snow removal equipment when legally safe to do so and when you have clear visibility of the entire vehicle and its blade.
Whenever adverse weather impacts safe driving, pull over to the nearest safe and legal location until it is safe to move again (49 CFR 392.14). Park away from trees, power lines or other objects that could fall on your vehicle.
After a winter storm, beware of lingering hazards. Roads can remain slippery for days or longer, and snow piles may block visibility of other vehicles, pedestrians, or hazards. Ice and snow can also bring down tree branches and power lines onto roadways. Be cautious and adjust your driving to match current road conditions, even if the weather appears to have cleared.
