Winter road conditions place great demands on a driver’s knowledge and risk assessment skills. As a driver, how can you drive as safely as possible despite changing road conditions and other seasonal factors?
Weather affects your workday
Keep in mind that one drive may involve multiple weather and road conditions. The weather and road conditions can vary enormously during a drive if, for example, you drive from Helsingborg to Gävle. Factors beyond your control that affect your workday include precipitation, cold, road maintenance, slippery roads, and darkness. Large and rapid temperature fluctuations contribute to changes in the roadway and its conditions. The changes can occur quickly and make it difficult for the operating contractor to implement the right measures at the right time.
Adapt your schedule to current driving conditions and make sure to have good margins for dealing with any accessibility issues.
Minimise accident risks in winter road conditions
The Swedish Transport Agency was mandated by the government to investigate the extent of accidents involving tractor units with semi-trailers, and to propose safety-enhancing measures aimed at these vehicles. In the investigation, it was found that a factor likely to be of great importance in connection with these accidents is driver knowledge of the risks that can arise on winter roads. Vehicles that experience greater difficulties in terms of accessibility in winter road conditions are EU trailers with 2-axle tractors. The same vehicle type accounts for 53% of accidents on Swedish roads according to the same survey. The investigation also concludes that it is of the utmost importance that roads have the best possible road conditions during the winter. This is a challenge for the operating contractors responsible for parts of Sweden’s road network on days with a lot of precipitation or when temperatures quickly change.
Plan for the unexpected
One way to reduce risks and stress is to carefully consider and plan your workday. We know for a fact that stressed drivers increase the likelihood of traffic accidents. So take the opportunity to plan for what you can. This will reduce stress and increase safety in your workday and for your fellow road users.
10 tips for DRIVING SAFELY ON WINTER ROADS
- Adjust your speed to the road conditions.
- Ensure your winter tyres are in top condition.
- Keep your distance with good margins.
- Pay special attention to load distribution in winter road conditions.
- Clear away snow and de-ice the flatbed and roof.
- Be prepared. Keep warm clothing and shoes in the vehicle – you never know what will happen on the road.
- Use reflectors to make sure you are visible in the winter darkness.
- Keep your hands on the wheel – all year round!
- Slips on flatbeds and ladders are unfortunately common during the winter months – so pay attention where you put your feet.
- Take it easy. No cargo in the world is more important than your own life or someone else’s life.
Want more tips on how you can contribute to increased safety on our roads while also increasing your well-being?
