A Q&A with Santa, and Fleet Manager Mrs Claus, of North Pole Inc
After experiencing a decent summer, autumn has arrived. The weather is unpredictable and the nights are drawing in, bringing with it a whole host of potential issues for drivers and fleet managers.
With the press reporting that two huge storms are set to hit the UK shortly, ensuring drivers are prepared and aware of changing driving conditions should be back on the agenda for those who oversee a fleet of vehicles.
In a 2015 study by the government, above average rainfall in certain months of the year was directly linked to the level of serious injuries sustained by drivers.
Of course, your staff are probably aware of how to drive in bad weather - and we hear these top tips every year, but are there some things you never considered when your drivers go out to work on a damp autumn morning?
Changed this to make it sound like something they should take note of. This sentence seemed like a point where people might switch off.
Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards at the respected Institute of Advanced Motorists, recently released the following tips for drivers when travelling in wet weather:
• Before setting out, be sure to check the weather forecast for the area staff will be travelling in. If your company briefs drivers on the job before they set out, it may be beneficial to all parties if this information is supplied within the brief.
• It’s vital to stress the importance of simply checking windscreen wiper blades and lights. Remember, if visibility is significantly reduced, a driver may need to use dipped headlights so ensure that those are checked too.
• We know this goes without saying, but we still see far too many pictures on social media of vehicles stuck in flooded roads. If there is any doubt about the depth of the water, it must be stressed that the driver should not enter and find an alternative route.
• Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather, therefore drivers should be giving themselves more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increasing the following gap in bad weather is also a must.
In the event of an accident, Richard believes: “If your tyres begin to lose traction, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking and allow the speed to naturally decrease until you have full control of your car again.
“Driving in wet weather can be challenging, and with delays and increased concentration needed it can be more tiring too. By allowing increased time to stop and extending your following distance you can remain safe.”
Regardless of the above, sometimes accidents happen. However, it’s important that if they do, you know exactly how the incident occurred. By utilising telematics alongside in cab vehicle cameras, fleet managers have a 360 view in order to get the full picture.
If you’d like to know more about how you can combine these two technologies together in order to create an effective fleet management system, click here and one of our experts will be happy to advise further.