Managing Winter Driving Risk for Business Vehicles

From icy roads to more hours of darkness, the risks associated with driving increase over the winter months. So if you or your employees need to drive for work, it’s important to understand the risks and try to reduce the likelihood of them being involved in an accident. Read our guide to staying safe on the roads this winter.

What's in this article?

Prepare your business vehicle for winter
Be careful with your business vehicle's night-driving equipment
Maintain your business vehicle's water pump
Keep your windscreen wipers in an off position when not in use
Use winter or all season tyres for your business vehicle
De-ice windows on your business vehicle
Try to avoid exposed or minor routes
Have an emergency kit in your business vehicle
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Be careful with your business vehicle's night-driving equipment

If you have to do a lot of night driving, turn the heater fan down and only use the heated rear window to keep your view clear, to ensure you do not run the battery down on your lights, heaters and wipers.

Maintain your business vehicle's water pump

Listen for squealing noises when you start your engine, in case your water pump is frozen. If you have an issue stop immediately to allow the engine to dry.

Keep your windscreen wipers in an off position when not in use

Ensure your business vehicle's wipers are left off when you are not driving to avoid the blades freezing to the windscreen and potentially being damaged when you turn the ignition back on.

Use winter or all season tyres for your business vehicle

Consider using winter or all season tyres, which reduce tread hardening in cold and wet conditions, therefore providing your business vehicle with better grip.

De-ice windows on your business vehicle

Ensure all your windows are clear before you set off, by utilising a scraper and de-icer before you depart. Should snow accumulate during your trip, stop and clear it off.

Try to avoid exposed or minor routes

If possible do not drive on exposed high open routes or bridges, or minor roads which may not have been cleared of snow or gritted against ice. If there is no alternative, be especially cautious and stay aware of side winds.

Have an emergency kit in your business vehicle

Keep an emergency kit in your business vehicle so you are prepared if you do get caught in case you get stuck in the wintry conditions. Have a towrope, shovel, torch, extra de-icing equipment, warm clothing, a blanket, and some food and drink.

This is a marketing article by Towergate Insurance.