Winter Driving is Another Great Idea for Fleet Training

Over the last several months, we have published numerous blog posts offering ideas for fleet training among our corporate clients. We have yet another idea thanks to a recent survey from the Brake charity in partnership with Direct Line. According to the survey, more than 70% of UK drivers may be taking unnecessary risks during the winter months by engaging in unsafe driving practices.

In reporting on the survey, Fleet News UK says that the vast majority of drivers do not know how much distance as required to stop a car in icy conditions. By the numbers:

• 10% believe you need twice the distance
• roughly 30% believe you need four times the distance
• 27% believe you need five times the distance.

Just 23% of the surveyed drivers know that it takes as much as ten times the distance to stop a car in icy conditions as compared to clean, dry tarmac. This suggests that the average driver could be following too closely even when weather conditions dictate they should stay considerably further behind.

According to Brake and Direct Line, ice is not the only issue. Even roads made slick by rain become more dangerous to drivers. So whether you are driving in a heavy rainstorm or while the snow is falling, remember this: pay attention to the distance between your vehicle and the one in front, and give yourself plenty of time to stop if need be.

Fleet Training for Companies

As a leading provider of fleet training in the UK, we understand how important it is for your drivers to stay safe in all kinds of weather. We also know that 9 to 10 months of no snow or ice makes it easy for drivers to forget how to traverse winter roads safely. Annual winter driving courses are a good way to bring your drivers back up to speed before snowy and icy conditions come into play.

We are now into the new year and at a point where snow and ice could start to become a concern. However, we have been fortunate to avoid the most severe weather to this point. There is still time to enrol your fleet drivers in a training class that will make them safer winter drivers. We can custom design training specifically to the kind of business you operate and the types of vehicles your drivers use.

Remember: Safety First

The HGV Training Centre wants to remind those drivers who have completed our training classes to keep in mind the safety-first mindset. Remember what you learned in training about driving in winter weather. It is far better to slow down and take extra time to get where you are going than to risk your life and the lives of others on the road. No load is so important that you should ignore basic safety procedures during inclement weather.

Slow down and be safe. That’s the best thing you can do for yourself, your family, and everyone else.

Sources:

1. Fleet News UK – https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/fleet-industry-news/2016/01/10/almost-three-quarters-of-drivers-take-life-threatening-risks-on-icy-roads