Fleets should have clear guidance on driving in challenging conditions to keep employees safe and to comply with their duty of care, TTC has warned.

Over half of drivers said they feel intimidated driving in stormy weather

Published as the UK braces itself for the arrival of Storm Ciarán this week, new research by the risk management specialist reveals the negative impact bad weather has on drivers’ confidence and willingness to take to the road at night or in poor conditions. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of drivers surveyed said they feel intimidated driving on icy roads; 60% in snow and over half (54%) in stormy weather.

TTC said the onus is on fleets to provide clear guidance on driving in winter and/or challenging conditions and specialised training where needed.

“The end of October signals the start of one of the most testing times of the year to be driving, and our latest research confirms that the majority of drivers lack confidence in adapting to winter conditions,” CEO Jim Kirkwood explained. “If their job involves driving for work, employees can feel obliged to make a journey. But it shouldn’t be left to them to judge if a journey is necessary if weather conditions are severe.

“Fleet and business travel managers should give employees clear advice on what is deemed a ‘necessary journey’ to help avoid driving in dangerous conditions. Along with appropriate training to give drivers the skills to cope with challenging weather while on the road, fleet managers can also fulfil their duty of care obligations.”

The TTC survey also reveals that it’s not just bad weather that is unsettling for drivers following the autumn clock change. Shortened days leave 56% struggling with the glare of oncoming headlights when driving in the dark, rising to 69% of those who wear glasses for driving.

Kirkwood continued: “It is understandable that reduced visibility causes stress for drivers, but a clear winter driving policy can empower fleet and regular car-driving employees. Drivers need to know exactly what their employer expects of them. For example, issuing timely advice if snow is forecast, will give employees the direction to embrace virtual working or rearrange important site visits and meetings. Additional winter driver training is also critical, especially for drivers of vans and HGVs where being off the road is less of an option. By doing so, and reviewing these skills regularly, companies can arm employees with the confidence to make reasoned decisions about travel plans and navigate the UK’s roads during the winter months, as well as avoid the cost of an incident.”

TTC tips for safer winter driving

• Create winter fleet and travel policies – to mitigate risk and liability, fleets should have a policy regarding poor road conditions, making it clear when drivers are expected to avoid travelling and any action they can take to reduce risk for necessary journeys.
• Prepare vehicles – company car drivers should ensure windows and mirrors are clean, inside and out, and all lights are working. Fleet managers should consider fitting company vehicles with all weather or winter tyres to increase grip in poor conditions.
• Drive for the road and weather conditions – drivers should be reminded to keep braking distances and low visibility in mind as well as brake and accelerate more gently and keep their speed well below the limit in poor conditions.
• Getting lights right – drivers should also be reminded to only use their fog lights when visibility is reduced down to 100m, and their main beam in rural areas when no other road user is in sight.
• Take the pressure off – company drivers must be allowed more time for their journeys so that they are not in a hurry and stressed, which could increase the risk of incident or collision.
• Break it up – on longer journeys drivers must be given time to take regular breaks to reduce fatigue. Those who wear glasses to drive may need more breaks as their eyes will tire more quickly.