As the first snowflakes begin to fall, Canada’s picturesque landscapes transform into a winter wonderland. However, for many workers who brave the roads during these icy months, the beauty of winter comes with its own set of challenges. For HR and safety professionals, ensuring employee safety on icy roads is a top priority.
Here are 10 practical winter driving tips to share with your teams to keep them safe during stormy commutes.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Before the winter season sets in, encourage employees to winterize their vehicles. This includes checking the battery, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. Advise them to switch to winter tires, which provide better traction on snow and ice-covered roads.
Keep an Emergency Kit in the Car
An emergency kit is a must-have for winter driving. It should include items like a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and a shovel. In the event of getting stuck or stranded, these supplies can be invaluable.
Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
Remind employees to check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out. Knowing what to expect can help them plan their route accordingly or decide to postpone non-essential travel during severe storms.
Drive Smoothly and Slowly
Emphasize the importance of driving at a safe speed and avoiding sudden movements. Accelerate and decelerate gently to maintain traction and avoid skidding. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead provides more time to react if something unexpected happens.
Understand How to Handle Skids
Educate your team on skid control techniques. If the vehicle begins to skid, they should steer in the direction they want the front of the car to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. Practicing these techniques in a safe environment can build confidence.
Use Headlights Appropriately
During heavy snowfall or low-visibility conditions, using headlights can improve visibility. Remind employees to turn on their headlights during the day in poor conditions and to keep them clean from snow and ice buildup.
Avoid Cruise Control
Advise against using cruise control on slippery roads. Maintaining manual control of the vehicle allows drivers to respond quickly to changing road conditions.
Stay Visible
Encourage employees to make their vehicles more visible to others by keeping lights and mirrors clean. In addition, wearing high-visibility clothing can be beneficial when exiting the vehicle in poor conditions.
Know When to Stay Put
Safety should always come first. If the weather is too severe, it’s better to stay off the roads. Promote a workplace culture that supports remote work or flexible scheduling during extreme weather conditions.
Stay Calm and Patient
Winter driving can be stressful, but staying calm is crucial. Encourage employees to allow extra travel time to avoid rushing. Patience on the road reduces the risk of accidents and promotes a safer driving environment for everyone.
Winter in Canada brings unique challenges for drivers, but with preparation and caution, employees can navigate the roads safely. As HR and safety professionals, sharing these practical tips can make a significant difference in promoting safe driving habits. By fostering awareness and encouraging proactive measures, you help protect your most valuable asset—your people—during the winter months.
Additional resources
- Consider hosting a winter driving workshop or sharing online resources.
- Provide updates on weather conditions and road closures through internal communication channels.
- Offer support for vehicle maintenance checks or partnerships with local service providers.
Keeping safety at the forefront not only protects employees but also reinforces a culture of care and responsibility within your organization. Stay safe and warm this winter!