10 Essential Winter Safety Tips for UK Fleet Managers to Protect Drivers and Reduce Costs
We can be sure that the UK will see some dangerous weather before Spring arrives in 2025 and as a Fleet manager you know that brings increased risks of accidents, vehicle damage, driver injuries, downtime and stress.
Fleet Managers will develop Winter Driving Strategies to manage these risks and here are 10 essential tips for UK company car fleet managers to keep drivers safe during winter while reducing fleet running costs:
1. Conduct Winter Vehicle Checks
- Inspect tyres for tread depth (minimum 3mm recommended), pressure, and overall condition.
- Test car battery health, as cold weather can impact performance.
- Check wipers, washers, and antifreeze levels to ensure visibility and engine protection.
2. Equip Vehicles with Winter Essentials
- Provide ice scrapers, de-icer, high-visibility vests, and emergency kits (torch, blankets, and a first-aid kit).
- Equip vehicles in icy regions with all-season or winter tyres to improve grip and safety.
3. Optimise Journey Planning
- Use telematics to avoid areas prone to adverse weather and traffic congestion.
- Encourage drivers to plan routes in advance, factoring in potential delays or detours.
4. Emphasise Defensive Driving
- Provide training or reminders about winter driving techniques, including maintaining safe distances and handling icy roads.
- Highlight the risks of black ice, reduced daylight, and increased stopping distances.
5. Encourage Pre-Drive Safety Checks
- Train drivers to check lights, mirrors, and tyre conditions before every journey.
- Ensure they clear all windows and mirrors of ice or snow before driving.
6. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
- Schedule servicing before winter to identify and fix issues that could worsen in cold conditions.
- Proactively replace wear-and-tear items like brake pads, which may face added strain in slippery conditions.
7. Leverage Telematics for Efficiency
- Monitor driver behaviour to reduce fuel consumption (e.g., avoiding harsh acceleration or braking).
- Use real-time tracking to optimise fleet routes, reducing mileage and fuel costs.
8. Provide Safe Driving Policies
- Issue clear winter driving policies covering speed limits, emergency contact procedures, and how to handle breakdowns.
- Ensure drivers are aware of insurance and breakdown coverage details.
- Drivers should be aware of actions to take if incidents occur during out of work hours or when the business isn't open.
9. Encourage Remote Work Where Possible
- Remote working and less face to face meetings are a given these days so on severe weather days, consider remote work for non-essential travel to reduce risk and costs.
- Promote use of technology such as Microsoft Teams as an alternative to in-person meetings during winter storms.
10. Monitor Fuel Efficiency
- Encourage eco-driving habits, such as smooth acceleration and avoiding idling, to save fuel.
- Use telematics to identify vehicles with excessive fuel consumption for further inspection.
By focusing on safety, proactive maintenance, and efficient driving behaviours, fleet managers can ensure their drivers stay safe and costs remain manageable throughout the winter months.
LetsTalkFleet can provide independent impartial advice on all aspects of Fleet Winter Driving Strategies for your business so please get in touch with any specific enquiries you have, we are available on 0330 056 3335 or via email contact@letstalkfleet.co.uk .