By R. Bruce Wright, CPCU
It’s the time of year when winter weather conditions affect many of our systems. Taking into account both weather and road conditions is vital in order to avoid having vehicle accidents. Here are some safety tips which can help your drivers safely cope with winter weather driving conditions. They are separated into two groups; the first deals with vehicle maintenance and upkeep, the second with driving behaviors. 
(1) Wintry conditions require some extra attention to vehicle maintenance issues.
- Tires- Make sure you have enough tread on your tires. The drive tires must provide traction to move vehicles over wet pavement and through snow, while the steering tires must have traction to steer the vehicle. Tread depth is especially important in winter conditions, with snow tires or heavily lugged tires needed in especially snowy areas. Often overlooked is the fact that tire pressures can drop as outside temperatures drop. So, check the pressures too, and keep them up to the manufacturers’ suggested pressures.
- Coolant- Pay particular attention to cooling systems. Check for proper fill level and test the coolant to ensure that there is sufficient fresh anti-freeze in the system to protect against freezing.
- Wipers and Washers- Make sure the windshield wiper blades are in good condition and wipe the windshield clean. Use windshield washer antifreeze to prevent freezing of the washer liquid.
- Lights and Reflectors- Make sure all of the lights and reflectors are clean. Check from time to time during bad weather to make sure they are clean and working. Don’t forget to clear any accumulated snow and ice from lights, both front and rear. Taillights/brakelights are especially prone to unnoticed accumulations that can make them nearly indistinguishable to following drivers.
- Windows and Mirrors- Remove any ice, snow, etc., from the windshield, windows, and mirrors before starting. Use a windshield scraper, snow brush, and windshield defroster as necessary.
- Defrosting and Heating- Make sure the heater and defrosters work. In extremely cold weather do not attempt to drive until sufficient heat is available to keep the windshield and side windows clear. If you have other auxiliary heaters (mirror heaters, battery box heaters), check their operation.
- Hand Holds and Steps- Be sure to remove all ice and snow from hand holds and steps before you need to use them.
- Exhaust System- Exhaust system leaks are especially dangerous when cab ventilation may be poor (windows rolled up, recirculating heat/defrost systems). Check the exhaust system for loose parts and for any signs of leaks.
- Tire Chains - Local regulations or extreme conditions may require you to carry and use tirechains. Carry the right number of chains and spare cross links. Make sure they fit your drive tires and learn how to put the chains on before you need to do it in snow and ice.
(2) Driving behaviors also must be modified to cope with wintry weather.
- Eliminate distractions- Keep yourself focused on the task of driving, with your eyes and your mind on the road. This is not the time to use the radio or the phone. In a crew vehicle, let the passenger handle all communications. If alone, pull off before using communication devices. If your cell phone rings, let it go to voicemail and retrieve the message when you can safely stop.
- Slippery Surfaces - Start up gently and slowly; get the feel of the road. The key to driving on slippery roads is to make all your inputs (steering, braking, and accelerating) as gentle as possible. Bend the vehicle into a turn, don’t jerk the wheel. Squeeze slowly on the pedals, both brake and accelerator, don’t 'tromp' heavily on them. If conditions are to hazardous, pull off and stop at the first safe place.
- Maintain a Steady Pace - Don’t pass slower vehicles unless necessary for your safety. Go slow and watch far enough ahead to keep a steady speed. Avoid having to slow down and speed up, but beware of using cruise control. If your vehicle has cruise control, do not use it in slippery conditions!Cruise controls operate by intermittent applications of the throttle and may accelerate just when you least want them to. Control to a steady speed using your foot on the pedal, not the cruise control!
- Adjust Speed to Conditions- Take curves at slower speeds and don’t brake while in curves. Be aware that as the temperature rises to the point where ice begins to melt, the road becomes even more slippery. Slow down more.
- Adjust Space to Conditions- Don’t drive alongside other vehicles. Keep a longer following distance. Keep your eyes up. If you see slow traffic ahead, reduce your speed early and avoid rapid slowing or stops. Anticipate all stops extra early and slow down gradually.
- Be Alert for Wet Brakes - Heavy rain, standing water, or snow melt puddling can cause brakes to get wet. Water on the brake surfaces can cause the brakes to be weak, to apply unevenly, or to grab. This can cause lack of braking power, wheel lockups, pulling to one side or the other, and jackknife if you pull a trailer. Avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water if possible. If the brakes get wet, maintain light pressure on the brakes as you drive for a short distance, to heat them up and dry them out.
Remember, winter weather adds extra pressures on both vehicle maintenance and driving technique. Following basic safety practices, including the use of these tips, can help you achieve a safe winter driving record.