It is no secret that roadway accidents increase at a chilling pace during the winter months. Often times drivers fail to take into consideration the hazardous conditions created by winter weather and exactly what to do about it. The Vehiclepath team cares about your fleet and your people, so we’ve compiled a list of tips and techniques to get you through these slippery months.
Safe winter driving demands knowledge of defensive driving skills and adjustments. The winter scene will be less hazardous for everyone one the road if a few precautions are made. Read on and share with your fleet!
Critical move-Prepare early for Winter. Now is the time!
The first step to preventing unnecessary accidents is to make sure equipment is ready for that first unexpected freeze or storm.
Be sure to check these essential items:

1. Radiators require proper winter coolant. Also, make sure there are no leaks.
2. Tires need to have good tread depth. Balding tires reduce starting traction by 30 - 50%.
3. Wiper blades must be in good condition to sweep snow and sleet off the windshield. If new blades are installed, check the arm pressure to ensure effective operation.
4. Heater and defroster, when functioning at their full capacity, will keep your windshield clear and you and your passengers warm.
5. Lights are particularly important in winter weather to ensure that you are clearly visible to other drivers. Be sure both headlights work on upper and lower beams, and are correctly adjusted. Check that stop, tail, clearance lights and directional signals work properly and are clean.
6. Brakes need to be in top condition to provide uniform braking.
7. Muffler and exhaust system should be in good condition and tightly fitted so carbon monoxide does not seep into the interior of the vehicle where it could cause serious illness or death to the driver or occupants.
8. Battery – cold weather lowers battery power – make sure yours is in good condition, and in case it is necessary, know the proper procedure for using a booster battery.
9. Fifth Wheel Lubrication – for tractor-trailer combinations, make sure a winter grade of lubricant is used on the fifth wheel. Some heavy summer grades of lubricant at low temperatures become too heavy and interfere with steering on slippery surfaces.
10. Windows and mirrors – windows should be cleaned to ensure good visibility. Mirrors also should be kept adjusted and clean for good visibility to the rear.

It’s important to remember that if you’re driving on ice, you won’t know it until you need to stop-making brakes are the great equalizer.

Driving tips:

Tip #1 Ice on your windshield means ice on the road.
The ice doesn’t have to be packed up on the roadway to be dangerous- a thin sheet of ice can develop quickly into a thick problem.
Tip # 2 Keep an eye on the temperature.
Water freezes at 32 degrees. The roadways tend to be slightly warmer than the air temp, but once you’re down that low in temperature, you need to be wary.
Tip # 3 Watch for spray off tires
If spray is coming off the tires, it’s likely that the roads are wet (as opposed to ice covered), but keep in mind that a short stretch of road with ice on it can be just as dangerous as a ice-packed roadway.
Tip # 4 ASK!
Make sure your CB radio is on and talk to the drivers around you. If you are a new driver, try to find a seasoned driver. You want to communicate with an experienced driver who has a healthy respect for physics to help talk you through it.
Tip # 5 Keep a healthy distance.
Traffic tends to bunch up on bad roads–the natural inclination is to follow other drivers. Stay away from four-wheelers. Often they are under the illusion that the roads are safer than they actually are.
Tip # 6 The ditch is a good clue
If there are four-wheelers spun out in the median or shoulder, the roads are bad. If you start seeing big trucks spun out, it’s time to get off the roadway. If numerous cars are in the ditch-time to find a rest area!
Tip # 7 There’s no load worth your life.
If you are on dangerous roadways, your best bet is to find a safe spot to wait it out. Let your logbook gain some hours. If you can’t find a spot in a truck stop, park on a ramp or anywhere out of the way. Try not to park on an incline. You’re liable to get yourself stuck. There is no load too precious to not be safe…especially the cargo in the driver’s seat.
Tip # 8 Carry supplies.
In the unfortunate event that you end up stuck, spun out, wrecked, or just sitting in a backup, be sure you have necessities with you. Keep extra blankets, canned food (and a can opener!), and water. Be sure you keep your diesel tanks full so you don’t run low.
Tip # 9 Treat your diesel.
Diesel gels when it gets really cold. If your diesel gels, your truck won’t run. If you are facing winter weather conditions, you need to put an anti-gel additive in your tanks (put it in BEFORE you fuel so it mixes). It’s a good idea to stock up ahead of time rather than expecting the truck stop to have it in stock. They tend to run out right when you need it!
One last technique that is great to know-The Feathering Technique

Apply the brakes gradually until you feel the wheels begin to lock and then release them slightly. If you start to lose steering control, release the brakes immediately, gear down, and repeat the gradual application. This technique requires more feel than pumping.
Use discretion in gearing down. Too much gearing down on ice may cause drive wheels to slide and start a dangerous side skid or jackknife. Release the clutch immediately and let the wheels roll to correct this condition.
Remember, when stopping on slippery surfaces, keep all wheels rolling to maintain steering ability, while at the same time using brakes to get the maximum stopping effort without wheel lock-up.

Wintertime or anytime, it is your responsibility to be alert and cautious while driving.
Be safe this winter season!