Winter weather driving tips for delivery drivers

As winter settles in, so does the challenge of navigating icy and snow-covered roads. Winter weather brings about hazardous driving conditions, and it’s crucial to adapt your driving habits to ensure both your safety and the safety of others on the road.  

If you are a delivery driver, this article provides essential tips for winter weather driving to help you navigate through the challenges of the season. Increased pressure to deliver goods on time and meet daily delivery targets in the run-up to Christmas can lead to riskier driving behaviours and increase your chance of skidding. 

Take note of weather warnings 

Since 1950, Met Éireann has been recognised by the World Meteorological Organisation as the Irish National Meteorological Service and one of its most important roles is to protect life and ensure the safety of citizens. Met Éireann issues yellow, amber, and red weather warnings of depending on the severity of wind speeds, rain, snow/ice, temperature, and fog.  

These warnings should be checked and considered before planning your journeys. 

Slow down

If skidding happens at a high speed, the result can be deadly. However, most skids can be avoided by simply adjusting to driving conditions and knowing how to recover from a skid. Skids are most likely to occur on curves and turns, so slow down ahead of time to prepare for them. Then, when in the curve, accelerate slowly and steer steadily with no abrupt change in direction and especially, no abrupt braking. Driving smoothly in general can help prevent skids.

Skid safety techniques

If you go into a skid, remember to always avoid using the brakes or steering against the skid. Instead, immediately take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction the vehicle is sliding until you feel recovery of traction, then slowly straighten the wheels until you recover complete control. If the back of your delivery vehicle is fishtailing to the right, turn the wheel gently in that direction until your car recovers. If you are driving a motorbike or moped to carry out deliveries, brake early, gradually, and gently and take corners at a wider angle but at a lower speed to prevent skidding.

If braking is necessary before traction is recovered, apply the brake pedal cautiously so you do not lock the wheels and intensify the skid. You will also have better brake control in a skid situation if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

You should constantly be on the lookout for areas that might induce skidding, such as unexpected ice patches or piles of wet leaves, which tend to be found in shady areas or on flyovers. Keep in mind that wet ice, warmed by the sun, is twice as dangerous as completely frozen ice. Be especially alert whenever there is any kind of precipitation during cold weather. If you are driving a motorbike, take extra precautions when navigating roundabouts and crossing tyre tracks. Tyre tracks can be very slippery.

Risky conditions

Since accidents are common in winter, you should be extra cautious while driving. If you are driving on slippery roads at reduced speed, increase your following distance behind the vehicle ahead. This gives an additional space cushion for safe stopping.

Be aware of grass verges as they are softer in winter months and will not be able to take the weight of your vehicle.

A safe stop on icy or snow-packed roads is a tricky manoeuvre that requires skill and good judgement. Anticipate stops by slowing down gradually well ahead of junctions and allow for more time to stop safely.

Plan ahead of time for lane changes; check your rear-view mirror and your blind spots and signal your intentions to traffic behind you. Then, swing over in a long, gradual line. Take the turn with the slightest possible steering change and keep a light foot on the accelerator.

If you drive into deep snow, stepping on the accelerator may cause the wheels to spin, with little or no forward movement. In such cases, avoid over-accelerating. A light foot on the accelerator and high gear is most effective.

Ensure your safety

This time of the year can be especially busy on the roads, so give yourself time to check your vehicle before setting out. Whenever you are driving, make sure your vehicle has the right equipment. Your brakes should operate correctly, and your tyres should be properly inflated with a good tread surface. Sometimes snow tyres and even chains may be best to help keep your delivery vehicle under control during dangerous winter conditions.

We can ensure your delivery vehicle is always covered with comprehensive courier insurance to help keep you moving safely, please call 0818 000 080 or make an enquiry here.