Winter Weather Driving Toolbox Talk
Remind your crews of important safety best practices to know when it comes to driving in unforgiving winter weather conditions.
Winter Weather Driving Safety Talk
When driving in snow, sleet, or slick conditions can result in an accident. When winter weather starts to accumulate on the roads, it can lead to a dangerous situation. Getting behind the wheel of a car is a big responsibility, even on a clear summer day.
The Department of Transportation, 2,200 deaths are reported every single year from winter-related conditions. There are 192,000 injuries reported every year as well. Winter weather conditions are not only responsible for these injuries and death rates. There are also millions of dollars in damage done to people's property each year.
Winter Weather Is Hazardous To Drive-In
When you have to drive in winter weather conditions, it is very important that you are practicing defensive driving techniques. This is definitely a learned skill that not everyone has had the experience of learning. It can pose a real problem for many people.
Not all states get winter weather to the point of having snow or ice. If someone is not familiar with the safe driving habits to use while there is snow or ice, it can be a very difficult task. People who have done it for years and have the experience, still have to be super conscious and aware.
How To Be A Cautious Driver In Winter Weather Conditions
Avoid Driving Unless Necessary
If you can avoid driving in winter weather conditions, you should do so. You need to think about the jobs and tasks that can be done on another day to make it safer for employees. In construction, many tasks cannot be performed in wet conditions anyway.
Plan Ahead
If you are needing to do job-related traveling, you should always keep a lookout for the weather. When you live somewhere that you know does experience snowy conditions, you should plan your driving ahead of time. It might be that you leave a day early or late, but safety comes first.
Drive Slowly
The way that you drive will change when it is snowing or icy outside. You cannot go at the same speeds as you would if the road was dry. This way you are able to pay closer attention and have ample time to stop if you need to.
Be Defensive While Driving
To be a defensive driver means a few different things. It means that you are aware of your surroundings and have a plan for if something were to happen. You should always keep a good distance of space between you and other drivers in snowy conditions.
Things To Keep In Mind
It is important to remember that when there are dangerous conditions on the road, that you may be better off staying put. Think to yourself about the necessity of the trip you are needing to take. Can it wait?
If your trip cannot wait, you need to make a plan. Think about the safest roads three are for you to use while driving. Main roads are going to be cleared more than side roads. If you are headed into work, make them aware that you are on your way. This can be helpful in a couple of different ways, cush as:
Tips For Driving In Snow and Ice Conditions
If you have never driven in the snow or ice before, it is a whole new experience. It is definitely a time to be more cautious and aware of your surroundings. People who have been driving in these conditions for years, still have to be super careful. It can be very unpredictable, which requires you to be very alert. Some tips to remember when you have no choice but to drive in these conditions are:
Things To Have In Your Vehicle In Case Of An Emergency
You never know when your car may break down or an accident will occur. That is why it is a good idea to have a few supplies in your car. Cold weather can be brutal and leave you miserable if you are not prepared. Some good items to have in your car at all times if you are traveling in the snow and ice are:
See how this toolbox talk works in the app
• Choose from a pre-loaded library (or upload your own)
• Schedule and assign topics for any project
• Store digital attendance sheets in one place
There’s an easier way to find and give toolbox talks—try it free for 15 days.