One of the fundamental aspects of safe driving in adverse weather conditions is maintaining healthy tyre tread depth. Consider this: a vehicle travelling at 50mph stops in 25 metres with 8mm tread depth, but it takes 39 metres with only 1.6mm tread depth. Tyres without sufficient tread depth risk losing contact with the road, leading to potential loss of control.
Ensuring your tyres are properly inflated is crucial. Low tyre pressure increases the risk of aquaplaning, where the tyre loses contact with the road surface due to the buildup of water. On the other hand, over-inflation also reduces grip. Regularly checking and maintaining the right tyre pressure is a simple yet effective way to enhance your fleet’s safety.
Keeping a vigilant eye on road conditions is essential. Dark patches on the road or dips that could signal standing water require careful attention. Gradual braking before reaching standing water reduces the risk of aquaplaning. Smooth and gradual steering inputs, coupled with proper use of wipers, further enhance safety during wet conditions.
Be aware of the strength of the wind and its direction, watch out for blowing debris & objects as well as high sided vehicles that can really ‘sway’. Most importantly, slow down to reduce risks of these issues and other factors such as sudden gusts that catch you unawares.
Encountering deep water requires a cautious approach. Enter slowly to push water forwards at the same speed, keeping the vehicle moving to avoid stalling. Assess the depth before proceeding, and be aware that even shallow water can cause issues. For very deep water, consider fewer revs to avoid water ingestion, and assess the situation before deciding to proceed.
The importance of proper driver education can’t be understated. As adverse weather conditions are occurring more frequently it’s worth investing time in ensuring your fleet is as safe as it can be. Our wide range of specialist courses aims to keep drivers and vehicles safe, ensuring that your fleet remains prepared and less likely to encounter accidents or troubles on the road.
Remember, educated and prepared drivers are the key to a safer and more reliable fleet. At RED, we are committed to helping your company navigate through challenging weather conditions, ensuring the safety of your drivers and the longevity of your fleet.
Contact us today to explore our specialised training programs and make your fleet weather-ready. Stay safe, stay prepared!
For more detail and other tips check out our driving advisory PDF below. It is a valuable resource designed to equip you and your team with essential insights, tips, and best practices for tackling driving in adverse weather conditions with confidence. From vehicle maintenance recommendations to emergency preparedness strategies, this guide covers all aspects of winter driving, empowering you to make informed decisions that prioritise safety.
Our Winter Driver Training course is designed to equip drivers with the skills they need to safely navigate adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, fog, snow and ice.
Level up your driving skills and safety awareness with our dynamic advanced performance driver training.
Learn all the skills of winter driving and skid control at our own driver training centre at the spectacular Donington Park race circuit.
RED has Fleet Driver Training Instructors throughout the UK which means that we can handle your driver training requirements as a one-stop-shop. We are geared up to help PLCs, local governments, universities, charities and privately-owned businesses. Whether you are part of a multi-national business or an SME, we have a service to meet your needs.
Give us a call to discuss your Driver Risk Management or Fleet Driver training objectives.
We can also offer our guidance if you are looking to take your first steps into managing road risk within your organisation.