Know the risks and drive accordingly

Nick Kennedy, Henderson Insurance Brokers Ltd

We are entering a time of year when the weather can be a major source of disruption for business.

In particular, it can be very stressful for drivers; so journeys should be planned, being a joint responsibility of both driver and company.

The first consideration should be on the need to travel. Advice from your traffic department and regular weather updates will keep you informed. If it is unavoidable then careful preparation will help to minimise the risk of a journey turning into an emergency.

Even before setting-off, make sure managers or supervisors know which route you are taking. It may sound like a really simple thing to do, but will help with locating you should anything happen, such as a breakdown or traffic delay.

Checking your vehicle before setting off. The basic elements such as fluid in the washer bottle, a tank full of fuel and clean vehicle lights will mean less worry on your journey. Items to take with you are equally as important, such as warm clothing, high sugar snacks, drinks and mobile phone chargers can be a lifeline.

Once on the road, heavy rainfall and flooding can make driving extremely challenging. Surface water does significantly reduce stopping distances, so leave extra space behind the vehicle in front. Avoid driving through floods or sections of road immersed in water. The depth of water is unknown, and you could cause irreversible damage to your vehicle.

High winds are also very dangerous, for any type of vehicle. The weight of loads carried on vans or lorries should be dispersed evenly to counter act any crosswinds or extreme gusts. Open stretches of road can also be treacherous causing vehicles to be blown off course, even to be turned over onto one side.

Nothing can really replace common sense and driving according to the road conditions.

Simply allowing more time for the journey, reducing your speed, and increasing the distance between vehicles are all going to increase safety.

There are also more vulnerable road users to consider, such as cyclists and pedestrians, who will also be affected by adverse weather. Being aware of these individuals and understanding how they are coping with the conditions will minimise the risks for all road users.

In difficult conditions it’s important for businesses to communicate this message to their employees who drive to ensure they meet their duty of care responsibilities.