With extremely cold temperatures, there are numerous things your fleet and drivers need to concern themselves with. Everything from starting the vehicle, freezing fluids, to icy roads, there is a lot to plan for and think through to ensure your vehicle and drivers are safe.
One example is tire pressure. With the onset of winter weather the last thing your drivers might be thinking about is tire pressure. But when temperatures drop below freezing, the air inside tires contracts, causing tire pressure to decrease. When the tire pressure decreases too drastically, this can create dangerous driving conditions for your drivers and your vehicles. Low tire pressure can lead to difficulty steering, decreased gas mileage, and the possibility of a blowout, compromising both performance and safety. Regularly checking and maintaining proper tire pressure is essential to staying safe on the road this winter.
Let’s take a look at some other safety tips to help prepare your fleet for extreme weather conditions.
Safety Tips For You:
- Wear warm and wind-resistant clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. This includes warm gloves, hats and socks.
- Issue and use snow cleats where applicable.
- Stay dry in the cold as moisture or dampness (even from sweating) can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.
- Keep an extra set of warm clothes handy. Have an extra pair of socks, hat, gloves, pants and a heavy sweatshirt.
- Keep hydrated. Drink warm beverages and avoid drinks with caffeine.
- Stay nourished. Eat warm, high-calorie foods. Keep extra non-perishable food on hand such as nuts, granola bars, protein bars, etc.
Safety Tips For Your Vehicles:
- Ensure fuel additive Diesel 911 is on hand to re-liquify gelled fuel and restore engine operation in cold weather conditions.
- Drain fuel water separators weekly to avoid freezing.
- Drain all air tanks on tractors and trailers during all PMs. Remind your drivers to do this daily.
- Have air brake alcohol on hand in case of winter freeze ups.
- Load test all batteries during PMs.
Safety Tips For The Road:
- Reduce speed when there is ice or snow, as speed limits are based on optimal road conditions.
- Maintain at least 3x the normal following distance when driving on snow and ice.
- Stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow.
- Use extreme caution on bridges, ramps, and overpasses as they freeze first.
- Refresh your skills – revisit how to safely maneuver a vehicle if driving in icy conditions.
- Avoid travel during winter weather advisories.
- Plan your route ahead of time, and allow plenty of time to navigate safely in winter weather conditions.
- Before you depart, make sure your cell phone is fully charged. In case of emergency, carry a portable car charger with you.
- Keep a travel first aid kit on hand in case of emergency. A travel first aid kit should include items like blankets, hand warmers, essential medications, water, batteries and flashlights, maps, ice scrapers, road flares, reflective triangles and a basic tool kit.
- Use a winter windshield washer formula to prevent freezing while using windshield wipers.
- Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice accumulation in the tank and fuel lines.
With cold weather sweeping the country, there are many things your fleet and drivers need to prepare for. Some of the safety tips above can help your team and your vehicles prepare to travel and have the safest season possible.
At Amerit we prioritize safety and encourage our employees, customers, and communities to practice safe driving, especially in extreme weather conditions. For more information about winterizing your fleet, see our blog: https://www.ameritfleetsolutions.com/preparing-your-fleet-for-the-winter-months/
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