Even if Houston doesn’t experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of the country, winter weather can still bring unexpected challenges. From early morning frost to sudden rain or cold fronts, it’s important for employees who drive as part of their job to stay prepared.
5-Step Checklist for Winter Driving at Work
While Texas winters may not be extreme, taking the right precautions ensures safer travels and helps prevent accidents on the road. Here’s a winter driving safety checklist for drivers to keep your team safe during the colder months.
1. Vehicle Preparation
Before hitting the road, employees should ensure their vehicle is fully prepped to handle winter weather conditions. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down or cause problems in harsh conditions.
Check Tires
- Make sure tires have adequate tread for traction on snow and ice.
- Consider switching to winter tires if necessary.
- Regularly check tire pressure, as it can drop in colder temperatures.
Inspect Brakes
- Ensure brakes are in good working order to avoid reduced stopping power on slippery roads.
Test the Battery
- Cold weather can reduce battery performance, so test the battery’s strength and replace it if necessary.
Top Off Fluids
- Ensure windshield washer fluid is topped off with a winter mix that won’t freeze.
- Keep antifreeze at the proper level to avoid engine issues.
Pack an Emergency Kit
- Include items such as blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, an ice scraper, extra gloves, and non-perishable food. These can be literal lifesavers if you’re stuck in severe weather conditions.
2. Safe Driving Practices
When driving in winter conditions, it’s important to adapt driving habits to the weather.
Reduce your speed. Driving slower than usual gives more time to react to slippery surfaces or sudden stops.
Increase your following distance. Maintain a larger gap between your vehicle and the one in front to give yourself extra time to stop on icy roads.
Use caution on bridges and overpasses. These surfaces tend to freeze faster than other parts of the road, making them extra slippery.
Avoid sudden movements. Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp turns can cause skidding. Always brake and accelerate gradually.
Stay focused on the road! Stay alert and avoid distractions, as winter weather driving safety tips suggest full attention is key to navigating safely.
3. Handling Winter Road Emergencies
Even with careful driving, winter road emergencies can still happen. Employees should be prepared to handle these situations calmly and safely.
- Skidding – If your vehicle begins to skid, stay calm and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can make the skid worse.
- Stranded – In case of a breakdown or getting stuck in snow, it’s safer to stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Emergency Kit – If stuck, use blankets to stay warm, and be cautious when running the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Monitor Weather Conditions
Keeping up with the latest weather updates can help employees avoid driving in severe winter conditions.
Check the weather before driving. Encourage employees to check weather forecasts before starting their journey (and to avoid driving in extreme conditions if possible.)
Be aware of black ice. Even when conditions seem safe, black ice (a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on roads and makes them slippery) can form in shaded areas or after a slight thaw. Remind employees to drive carefully. Especially on untreated roads.
Stay informed on road closures. Employees should monitor local traffic reports to avoid closed or hazardous roads.
5. Employer Support
Employers have a big role to play in keeping their employees safe when driving during the winter. Here’s how you can actively support your team and help prevent accidents:
Provide Winter Driving Training
It’s important to provide safety training sessions that focus specifically on winter driving techniques. Even though Houston’s winters are mild, unexpected icy patches or wet roads can catch drivers off guard. Your training should cover topics like how to brake safely on slick roads, how to react to skidding, and why maintaining a greater following distance is key in poor weather. You could even bring in safety consultants or share online resources to keep the training engaging and practical.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there are more than 100,000 weather-related crashes every year, so regular training can make a big difference in keeping your team safe.
P.S. Don’t forget about driver safety training for your seasonal workers!
Encourage Employees to Report Unsafe Conditions
If an employee encounters ice on a bridge or flooded streets, they should know it’s okay to delay non-essential trips until it’s safe to drive. When employees feel empowered to make these calls, it reduces the risk of accidents.
Implement a Winter Driving Policy
Have a clear, written winter driving policy. This policy should outline what’s expected of employees when they’re driving in winter weather, such as checking weather reports before heading out, following speed limits in poor conditions, and taking necessary precautions when driving in wet or icy conditions.
It should also detail what steps to take in an emergency, like who to contact and how to get assistance. In addition, set guidelines on when it’s okay to postpone a trip or avoid driving altogether — after all, safety should be the priority.
Stay Safe on the Road This Winter!
Driving in winter can be challenging, but by following this winter driving safety checklist, employees can reduce the risks associated with winter weather. Whether it’s preparing their vehicle, adjusting driving habits, or staying aware of changing conditions, these steps will help keep your team safe on the road this winter.
Contact Safety By Design for Expert Safety Consulting
Want to ensure your team is fully prepared for winter driving? Safety by Design offers comprehensive safety training tailored to your needs. Check out more of our holiday season safety tips for workers, or contact us today to schedule a consultation!
