Red Corporate Driver Training has highlighted six of the most hazardous driving traps over the winter months, helping fleets ensure drivers are prepared.

Seb Goldin, CEO of Red Corporate Driver Training

The months of November, December and January have the highest volume of vehicle insurance claims – and long-term data shows there is a 25% increase in the number of claims made in November compared to April (statistically the lowest month for claims).

Seb Goldin, CEO at Red Corporate Driver Training, said: “It’s vital that companies ensure their drivers are prepared for winter driving as this time of year is much more dangerous on the roads compared to any other time.

“Our specialist trainers have identified these six traps which are often not obvious to the untrained eye. But being forewarned can help your drivers avoid falling into them, and leaving the business with additional expense and administration.”

RED Corporate Driver Training’s six winter driving traps:

1. Icy bridges

Many drivers don’t realise that in very cold weather bridges are the first parts of the road to ice up, and the last to thaw. That’s because the cold gets at the road surface from above and below, dropping the temperature quicker and holding it low for longer.

Added to which, bridges tend to be located around wet parts of our world which means water getting onto the road surface easier, and then freezing. The other big problem with bridges is there’s usually less space to escape on them or around them, and unusual cambers too, making vehicle control harder.

2. Microclimates

On cold days, road surface temperatures can change rapidly between those sections in sunshine and those in shade. That means you get huge changes in grip over short distances, on both urban and rural roads, and those sections under trees often are covered in slippery leaves, and tend to have more standing water too. Keep a close eye on these quickly occurring microclimates which can cause you to lose control without warning.

3. Puddles and standing water

Obviously, large puddles and standing water increase the risk of aquaplaning and loss of control. Having tyres in good condition and driving more slowly can massively help with this. But our roads are in a generally poor condition and this water can hide another danger: potholes.

Where possible, and only if it is safe to do so, try and avoid the centre of large bodies of standing water, as this is where it’s deeper, and where these wheel destroyers can lurk. But also be aware of those hidden underwater at the side of the road too.

4. Motorway spray

The combination of low sun and spray from standing water on motorways and dual carriageways is a terrifying combination, blinding drivers and causing panic that can result in major accidents. Some driver’s first instinct is to slam on the brakes, but slowing down this quickly is as dangerous as ploughing on at the same speed.

We recommend lifting off the throttle, moving down a gear and very lightly and gently braking over a longer period. You need to think of the driver behind: if they see brake lights flashing on and off they are likely to overreact too, causing a chain reaction. Also, a simple thing: ensure sunglasses are easily to hand, clean and out of their case ready to use at all times.

5. Tightening bends

When grip is lessened, and road conditions prone to change, in winter the bend that tightens is the most dangerous, as drivers carry too much speed and slide off, or overcorrect and lose control.

There are ways to counter this. Professional drivers use a technique called ‘limit point analysis’ where they watch the point at which the two sides of the road meet in the distant part of the corner. If that point is moving towards you, you are travelling too fast. If it is moving away, you are going slow enough.

Also, look out for roadside hints about the where the corner goes: trees, telegraph poles and hedges usually give you a clue of the direction before the road can.

6. Dark car parks

In winter, when it is dark, visibility is poor, reversing cameras are covered in mud and lights refract in windows and mirrors, the car park is a difficult location. Low speed is essential, especially if there are pedestrians about, but when it comes to parking, it pays to plan.

Take your time, be patient and reject spaces if they look awkward or visibility is poor. It’s just not worth trying to get into a space without the necessary amount of visibility. Even get out of your car first to have a look and clean off reversing cameras – it’s not worth guessing.