7 Ways Your Truck Drivers Can Move Safely in the Winter

Your truck drivers must endure rough conditions in the winter, and it can be a difficult job, primarily when it also affects terrain. However, the right commercial auto insurance is essential for your trucks and drivers. As a commercial fleet owner, you should always stress safety on the road.

The Methods Your Truck Drivers Can Take to Drive Safely in the Winter

Before the winter weather settles in along your routes, discuss winter driver safety. These conversations can remind drivers of the steps they need to take and how to be cautious of winter’s hazards.

Verify Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage

Commercial insurance coverage is essential for all semi-truck drivers. Comprehensive coverage with liability and collision coverage will protect your drivers and your company’s financial interests. You can add additional coverage options, including roadside assistance. Ensure insurance coverage is sufficient and in force for every truck in the fleet.

Require Safety Checks

Before any driver’s shift starts, safety checks are essential. Verify that lights and wipers are in functional condition. Make sure the chains are intact in the truck. Check the truck and trailer tires and ensure that air hoses are free of ice and snow.

Encourage Slower Driving

Advise drivers to drive slower in winter weather conditions. Provide loads with longer lead times, so drivers have the time to drive with caution. Your commercial auto insurance carrier may advise the same.

Advise Greater Distances Between Vehicles

During the winter season, drivers should leave more space between the semi-truck and other vehicles on the road. Icy roads lead to longer stopping times, which also means greater stopping distances.

Avoid Using a Jake Brake When Roads Are Icy

The jake brake is an excellent resource on clear and dry roads. When a route is wet, slippery, and icy, it can lead to the risk of trailer control problems, sliding, and other severe accidents. Instead, remind commercial auto drivers to use the truck brakes and be cautious when stopping on potentially slippery surfaces.

Be Mindful of Icy Truck Steps

When driving in snowy, icy conditions, the accumulation of ice and snow on the steps of the truck can make for slippery conditions getting into and out of the truck. It puts drivers at risk of slipping and severe injuries. Truck driver winter safety includes watching for slippery conditions when entering or exiting the truck.

Know When to Stop

At the start of the winter season, remind all of your drivers to be rational about inclement weather. Advise them to find a truck stop or a safe place when the roads get bad, so they don’t risk an accident.

Balance Commercial Auto Insurance And Driver Safety

Encourage safe driving behaviors and monitor your drivers consistently throughout the winter season. Remind your drivers to be mindful of road conditions as well. When you review commercial auto insurance policies, consider additional coverage whenever possible before severe weather sets in.

About David G. Sayles Insurance Services

At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we help our clients decide which of these options is best for them based on their current situation and risk factors.  Contact us at 1-855-977-1842 or insureme@dsayles.mysites.io for a consultation!