Winter Driving 101: 10 Tips for Employees for Road Safety

As temperatures drop, the risk of road safety hazards goes up. Winter weather – ice, sleet, snow – makes driving a lot more difficult than usual. It’s important to plan for this change in driving conditions, especially if you’re driving to, from, or at the workplace. You can avoid most safety risks with a little extra preparation. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips for Employees

Reduce your risk of accidents and navigate the road confidently by implementing these key winter driving safety tips for employees.

1. Slow Down

It’s harder to control your vehicle on a slick or snowy surface. Reducing your driving speed is one of the best ways to stay in control. Make sure you accelerate and decelerate slowly, too. To avoid skidding, slowly apply pressure to the gas to help your car regain traction. 

2. Increase Following Distance

Remember, it’s more difficult to slow down on icy or snow-covered roads. To ensure you don’t slide into other drivers, leave more space between cars than usual. You’ll want to have plenty of time to slow down or stop for vehicles in front of you.

3. Buckle Up

Seatbelts save lives. You’re more likely to encounter danger on the road during winter weather, so it’s essential to protect yourself. 

4. Know Your Breaks

Understanding how your brakes work and how to use them effectively is key. It’s not a bad idea to spend some time practicing your braking if you’re driving a new or large vehicle.

OSHA Winter Driving Essential Tips

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests following the three P’s of safe winter driving: Prepare, Protect Yourself, and Prevent Crashes.

5. Prepare

• Consider your route ahead of time. Leave extra time to get where you need to go.
• Keep emergency equipment like flashlights, jumper cables, shovels, and blankets in your car.
• Pay attention to the health of your car’s battery. Cold temperatures can increase the risk of battery problems.
• Make sure your tires are inflated properly, and consider switching to tires designed for winter driving.

6. Protect Yourself

• Only go out into winter weather if necessary.
• Ensure you and all your passengers are wearing a seatbelt at all times.

7. Prevent Crashes

• Get plenty of rest before long drives.
• Look out for pedestrians on sidewalks or the road.
• Stop at least every three hours for a break, and rotate drives when you can.

Tips for Managing a Winter Driving Emergency

These winter driving emergency tips can help you stay safe should you get stuck or can’t start your car. 

8. Stay in your car 

Don’t get out of your car if possible. If you must, avoid overexertion. Conserving your body heat and energy is important.

In the case of a winter weather crash, contact emergency personnel as soon as possible. If it’s not safe to stay in your car, do what you can to keep yourself warm while you wait for help to arrive.

9. Make your car visible 

It can be hard to see clearly in winter weather. Help other drivers see and avoid hitting you by leaving your interior dome light on or by putting bright markers on your car’s antenna.

10. Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning

Only run your vehicle as much as you need to stay warm. If you leave your car running for long periods, make sure the windows aren’t rolled up. Likewise, make sure your exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some winter driving safety tips for employees?

Keep yourself and other drives safe on the road with these essential winter driving safety tips for employees:

1. Decrease Speeds: It takes longer to slow down when moving. Compensate for the delay by reducing your driving speed. Also, make sure you accelerate slower than usual.
2. Add Following Distance: Avoid accidents and sliding into others by leaving extra room between vehicles.
3. Know Your Vehicle: Understand how it feels to speed up, break, and turn in your vehicle. Practice driving and stopping in winter weather if you’re not familiar with your vehicle.
4. Maintain Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle’s battery, lights, tires, and windows are functioning properly.
5. Know Winter Driving Policies: Brush up on your employer’s policies regarding winter driving practices and reporting accidents.

How can I provide winter driving training to my employees?

You can talk to your employees about winter driving training by setting up a time to review your organization's expectations or standards, if applicable. It’s also a good idea to discuss winter driving safety tips and ensure everyone knows what to do in the case of an accident. 

What should employees do to stay safe during winter weather conditions?

Employees can stay safe while on the road during the winter by reducing their speed, especially when it’s actively precipitating, increasing following distances, and leaving extra time to slow down.

What are some safe driving practices for employees during cold weather?

Some of the most essential safe driving practices for employees should use during the winter include the following:

• Remember that it takes longer to slow down, stop, and speed up in ice and snow.
• Bundle up in warm clothing, proper footwear, and a winter coat.
• Inspect your vehicle before driving to ensure everything is functional.
• Leave extra time to get to your destination.
• Take the time to warm up your vehicle before driving.
• Avoid fatigue while driving and get plenty of rest before your trip.

How can workplace winter safety be improved for employees?

The best way to keep your employees safe during the winter is by openly communicating about your expectations. Ensure everyone knows the winter safety standards they need to follow. Likewise, check in with your employees to confirm they feel comfortable and knowledgeable about winter driving.