As the winter weather is making its return, so does an increase in traffic collisions, delays and reroutes. As a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Driver, you will face adverse weather conditions which are going to challenge you during winter. Driving a larger vehicle means you will bear more responsibility.
So, let us give you five tips for driving in winter, and how you can stay safe on the road over the coming months.
Tip 1: Check Your Vehicle
Although you will complete vehicle walkaround checks at the start of every shift, pay close attention to components which could be affected by the winter weather.
- Checking Tyre Pressure
- Testing Your Windshield Wipers
- Ensuring All Fluid Levels Are Where They Should Be (And Top Up If They’re Not)
- Checking All Lights Are Working
- Test The Brake Lines Are Not Frozen
Taking that extra bit of time to really give your HGV a thorough inspection can be the difference between making it to your destination, and being stuck on the side of the road awaiting recovery!
Tip 2: Check the Weather
Being able to stay updated with any weather warnings is essential as a long-haul driver, as well as any other driver. The met office is one place you can source all weather updates.
Although the weather can change frequently, being aware of any potential storms, heavy rain or snowfall, and high winds can help you be better equipped for the road.
RAC Explain that four in 10 drivers will still “…get behind the wheel regardless of the amount of snow on the roads.”
Making sure you have these essentials can also help you in any tricky situations:
- De-Icer & Ice Scraper
- Shovel
- Torches
- Jump Cables
- Fluorescent Clothing & Blankets
- Map
- Food & Water
Also, making your Transport Manager aware that you could be hindered by bad weather can also help them prepare. By giving them a time you should realistically reach your destination will make them conscious that they should be ready to act if you are not at your destination by that time. In the event that this happens, people will be informed that you could be stuck in bad weather, making rescue times shorter.
Tip 3: Prepare Other Routes
When you plan your journey, relying on one route is only setting you up for a disaster. In the wetter, colder months, you must have backup routes just in case.
November through to February sees an increase in strong wind, floods, road debris and crashes. Some roads could be closed to HGVs, as they’re not suitable for larger vehicles to drive through in adverse climates.
In no instance should you attempt to drive through anywhere which you shouldn’t, as you could get stuck.
Where there are flooded roads, once again, do not attempt to drive through if the flood is too deep, as this can get water in the engine or breaks.
Tip 4: Drive to the conditions of the road
Reduced visibility, sleeker roads and cold temperatures can affect your driving and increase the risk of crashing. Which is why it is essential to drive carefully.
The highway code explains that stopping distance is up to ten times greater than on dry roads, so slowing down, allowing extra space between vehicles and keeping a steady speed will minimise this risk.
Windy weather can also be an issue for HGVs, as high sided vehicles are more prone to tip overs in these instances. Be cautious if driving with an empty trailer or light load, as this can increase the chance of a gust catching your trailer and causing it to sway uncontrollably.
Being able to keep a consistent driving pattern which complements the road conditions and weather will significantly reduce the risk of an accident.
One to consider is that if you are driving in snow, you will need to know how to use the manual gearbox setting on an automatic vehicle.
Yes, automatic HGVs will have a manual setting too, precisely for these types of driving scenarios. When driving in snow, you want to use as high a gear, with as low revs as possible. This will reduce the likelihood of your vehicle making a hole in the ground, which can get your vehicle stuck.
Although. this knowledge is down to your own discretion, whether you want to ensure that you understand how to alternate from automatic to manual.
Tip 5: Know when to stop
Although you must adhere to the working time directive, allow yourself plenty of breaks. However, when there is limited visibility, and the driving conditions are bad, find a rest stop to pull up at. You should never risk your life for the sake of a few miles.
Also, know where to stop. Pulling up on the side of a road which is prone to flooding or black ice is not the best place to have a break.
Truck stops or service stations are the best place to stop, as you can have a warm place to stay and not be strained by the potential of being stranded.
If you are completing a job, your Transport manager should already be aware of the weather conditions, and would be mindful that your journey could take longer than anticipated. You can also be sure that your safety is the upmost priority in this scenario.
Are you Ready for Winter Driving?
These tips should help you stay more cautious and be prepared for any winter driving. You can also share these tips with fellow HGV driver, and any driver really. You can never be too prepared for driving in colder months.
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