How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips
With all the rain, darker nights and colder mornings, drivers across the UK must prepare for more challenging road conditions. Wet and icy surfaces, coupled with reduced daylight hours, can increase the likelihood of accidents. Fleet managers play a vital role in ensuring that their drivers are ready to face these challenges while keeping their vehicles safe on the road.
At How’s My Driving?, we are committed to supporting safer driving through our road safety sticker service, which provides real-time feedback, promotes responsible driving, and helps improve brand perception. Some of our top tips:
- 1. Check your tyres: Wet roads demand optimal grip, and tyre health is crucial in maintaining that. Ensure tyres are in good condition with at least 3mm of tread to ensure maximum traction on slick surfaces.
- 2. Slow down: Wet roads reduce stopping distances. Slowing down gives drivers more time to react to unforeseen circumstances. The Highway Code recommends doubling your stopping distance in wet conditions and increasing it further in icy conditions.
- 3. Maintain visibility: Keep your windows clear of mist, ice, or snow, and ensure your windscreen wipers are functioning effectively. Visibility is often reduced in cold, rainy weather, so make sure headlights and fog lights are in top working order.
- 4. Avoid sudden movements: In cold, wet weather, it’s important to accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly to avoid skidding. If your vehicle does start to skid, gently steer into the direction of the skid rather than applying the brakes harshly.
- 5. Prepare for icy conditions: Always keep a winter emergency kit in the vehicle, including an ice scraper, de-icer, blanket, and a first-aid kit. On very cold days, drive cautiously and be prepared for black ice, which can be almost invisible but extremely dangerous.
Fleet managers have a duty of care to their drivers, especially during colder months when driving conditions are more hazardous. Some ways fleet managers can assist include:
- 1. Driver training: Ensuring drivers are trained to handle cold and wet weather conditions is key. Implementing regular training sessions can boost drivers' confidence and reduce the risk of accidents during these months.
- 2. Vehicle maintenance checks: Keeping vehicles in top condition is essential. Ensure that heating systems, brakes, tyres, lights, and wipers are regularly checked and serviced to prepare vehicles for winter.
- 3. Monitor driver behaviour: Fleet managers can use telematics systems to track driver behaviour, such as speeding and harsh braking, and provide actionable feedback to promote safer driving habits.
At How’s My Driving?, we take road safety to the next level with our road safety sticker service. Here’s how our solution can support both drivers and fleet managers, especially during challenging driving conditions:
- · Real-time feedback: Our service provides real-time data from road users, highlighting both safe and risky driving behaviours. This helps fleet managers quickly address any issues, leading to safer driving habits across the fleet.
- · Online management reports: Fleet managers benefit from easy-to-access online reports that allow them to monitor driver performance over time. This feature enables fleet managers to identify areas where drivers may need additional training and celebrate great driving.
- · Encouraging two-way conversations: Our system fosters open communication between fleet managers and drivers, encouraging dialogue about safe driving practices and helping drivers feel supported in their efforts to improve.
- · Raising awareness and brand perception: A How’s My Driving? sticker on a fleet vehicle tells the public that your company takes road safety seriously. It signals that you’re committed to reducing accidents, promoting responsible driving, and enhancing the safety of UK roads.
- · Celebrating great driving: It’s not just about highlighting risks – we also celebrate drivers who consistently demonstrate safe driving habits. Recognising and rewarding great driving boosts driver morale and sets a positive example for others.
Safer roads = safer business
Driving in cold and wet weather presents significant challenges, but by preparing drivers, maintaining vehicles, and using services like How’s My Driving?, fleet managers can create a safer driving environment for everyone. With real-time feedback, actionable data, and a focus on both identifying risks and celebrating successes, How’s My Driving? is a key tool in promoting road safety and improving brand perception.
Stay safe, and let’s work together to keep our roads safer for all.
19 November 2024