Winter driving - the risks

Last weekend’s snow blast, which hit most of the UK, is a timely reminder that winter conditions, including rain, snow, ice, wet leaves and low light levels, bring all kinds of challenges for drivers. Like all vehicles, drivers of commercial trucks face additional risks during winter. Being prepared can be the difference between a safe journey and a disaster.

 

Companies should already have driving for work risk assessments in place, but it’s essential to consider specific challenges for commercial vehicle drivers. UK weather conditions can alter very quickly, which can be especially hazardous in winter. The first safety element to consider is the vehicle’s tyres – the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road.

 

According to UK safety initiative Tyre Safe, a third of all motorway incidents are caused by rear-end shunts. The organisation, which raises awareness of safe tyres, states that the crucial thing to remember is ACT – air, condition and tread.

 

“Drivers must regularly check tyres for damage, for sufficient tread depth, and that the tyres are properly inflated,” says TyreSafe chair Stuart Lovatt. “The tyres govern how the vehicle handles, corners, and brakes, so they are essential to safety and vehicle responsiveness.”

 

Winter driving tyres 

Each type of weather presents unique challenges: rain and ice can create slick surfaces that reduce tyre grip, causing the vehicle to ‘skate’; snow can accumulate around the tyres, potentially bogging the vehicle down. In such cases, drivers should clear snow from tyres, place old sacking or another traction aid beneath them, and use second gear to pull away slowly.

Ensure your organisation’s driving-for-work policy clearly outlines the steps drivers should take when encountering adverse weather conditions.

Plan your journey 

• Increase your following distance. Stopping distances in wet weather can be up to ten times longer than on dry roads.
• Reduce your speed. In 2022, there were 170 collisions caused by drivers travelling too fast for the conditions or on slippery roads. Research by Brake and Green Flag revealed that one-third of drivers fail to slow down in wet weather, with 7% even driving faster! This highlights the importance of leaving extra space between your vehicle and others.
• Consider the weather conditions and forecast, paying attention to areas of the journey that may be prone to leaffall, flooding, snowfall, or ice. Will you be travelling during sunrise or sunset when glare from the low sun could affect your vision?
• In extreme weather, cancel any non-essential journeys.
• Fog presents a serious hazard—drivers should reduce their speed, maintain a safe distance, and use fog lights or dipped beams.
• Plan for extra travel time to account for slower driving conditions. Headwinds and very cold weather can significantly impact a commercial vehicle’s efficiency, especially for electric vehicles. Be mindful that range may drop faster than expected, and ensure both drivers and journey planners account for this when preparing routes.

Strong winds and commercial vehicle drivers

The UK frequently experiences storm-force winds during winter. In 2022, storms like Corrie, Dudley and Eunice caused significant driving disruption with winds of up to 70mph, leading to bridge closures, fallen trees, power outages, and the cancellation of trains and flights. Despite these treacherous conditions, many companies still sent their commercial drivers out on the roads.

 

The Met Office warns that winds as low as 30mph can be hazardous for driving. Yellow weather warnings are issued for winds of 40mph, while amber and red warnings are reserved for severe storms like those mentioned.

 

The dangers for trucks on UK roads are real: in April 2023, a 40mph wind toppled an HGV on the M62, blowing it across three motorway lanes and shutting the road for 90 minutes. 

 

Keep an eye on Met Office weather warnings and don’t send your drivers out in dangerous conditions unless absolutely necessary. If the journey is unavoidable, ensure they are well-prepared, have a clear plan, and proceed with extreme caution.

 

Here for you whatever the weather

 

The experienced team at MM Acquisitions are here to ensure you get the right vehicles and equipment for your business needs. 

 

Contact:
MM Acquisitions Ltd
The Willows
Millennium Road
Preston
Lancashire
PR2 5BL

01772 556 130

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