Advice for Keeping your Fleet safe in the Stormy Weather

With Storm Ellen behind us and Storm Francis currently huffing and puffing, it is a reminder that darker wetter conditions are ahead.  We need to ensure our fleet and drivers are prepared this transition of the seasons to ensure safety for them and the general public.

Common problems occur when drivers misjudge stopping times on wet roads or don’t take into account the slippery leaves and debris littering the way ahead. Other issues can be not putting on lights early enough and being more aware of other road users, particularly cyclists. Low sun can often be a problem too, especially as the evenings begin to draw in, presenting particular issues for motorcyclists.

Precautions should always be taken to prevent accidents at any time of year, but unfortunately, they do still occur.

Motoring organisation the AA has produced these top driving tips for driving in strong winds:

• Keep both hands on the wheel.
• Be ready for stronger winds and gusts on exposed stretches of road or when passing high-sided vehicles
• Be ready for sudden gusts when passing tall buildings in urban areas.
• Keep your speed down – strong gusts won’t blow you as far off course.
• Take care and leave extra room around cyclists and motorcyclists. They’re particularly vulnerable to sudden gusts and may veer across the road.
• Keep your distance from other vehicles, especially high-sided vehicles and caravans.
• Twigs or small branches in the road could mean there’s a tree or large branch in the way around the next bend.
• Partially fallen trees can hang above the sweep of your headlights, making them hard to spot.
• Plan your journey carefully, checking weather and traffic bulletins regularly.
• Expect lower speed limits or temporary closures on exposed bridges, and road closures due to fallen debris or accidents.

In addition to following the recommended guidelines, properly designed video content is a very powerful medium for educating and interacting with your drivers for a number of reasons. It can generate conversation among peers (did you see the video on how to avoid skidding on leaves? In turn leading to suggestions from the most knowledgeable on a particular topic), dangerous situations are identifiable because there is a visual trigger that you saw in a video (heightened awareness).

Driver Connect is an innovative platform to promote dynamic learning and remote worker communications in addition to providing the driver with auditable training content to help avoid negative driving behaviour.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our customisable solutions for fleet operators.