MENU
SEARCHStatistics show that 17% of all vehicle collisions occur in winter, and over 70% of U.S. roads are in snowy regions.
Follow these eight steps to keep fleet vehicles in the road during the, at times, punishing weather in snowbelt states.
Screenshot via Stan Cravens/YouTube.
Winter can be brutal. Every year, approximately 76,000 people are injured in traffic accidents during snowfall. Moreover, some 800 Americans die in car crashes annually while driving in winter weather conditions, according to Carsurance.
Keeping your drivers safe on the roads throughout the winter begins now—by ensuring your fleet vehicles are properly winterized.
Statistics show that 17% of all vehicle collisions occur in winter, and over 70% of U.S. roads are in snowy regions. So take the right steps now to make sure your fleet vehicles are as safe as possible when the cold fronts and blizzards move in.
Experts recommend the following steps for winterizing vehicles:
In cold weather, the battery operates at lower efficiency, making it harder for it to start up the engine. Make sure all the cables are tight so the battery is getting a good connection. If you have any doubt, see an expert and have the battery tested.
Drivers need the best possible visibility when snow and ice begins to cover their windshield. Make sure your washer fluid is filled to capacity and consider using a fluid with de-icer capability.
Every vehicle requires ample anti-freeze in the winter, so make sure the reservoir in your vehicles is filled to the brim. But be cautious—never take the cap off if it is hot or if you hear a hissing sound, as it could be dangerous. Rather, wait until the engine cools down before checking the anti-freeze reservoir.
As always, you want to ensure that your vehicle has the right amount of oil, but it’s especially important to do so in winter. If you choose to have a professional mechanic check your vehicle fluids, make sure to look for one that is ASE-certified.
If a blizzard hits, the more visibility a driver has, the better. Check headlight covers to ensure they are not cloudy or foggy. Clean and clear them thoroughly so they are ready to light the way through rain, sleet or snow.
Start by checking tread depth. This is especially important in winter because with shallow tread depth you won't get the proper traction needed to drive safely through snow and ice. Moreover, experts say that if your region gets at least three snowstorms during the winter it may be wise to invest in snow tires from mid-November to mid-April.
Next, check tire pressure. Every 10 degrees the temperature drops, the pressure will go down 1 pound per square inch. To know the accurate tire pressure your vehicle requires, review the owner’s manual.
Finally, make sure your spare tire is properly aired up in case of a breakdown in wintry conditions.
Torn or very worn down windshield wiper blades can pose a real hazard during sleet and snowstorms. Makes sure wiper blades are in stellar shape so they function as best as possible and enhance visibility in even the worst of winter weather.
Even with the best planning, vehicles break down in harsh winter weather, so make sure you have an emergency kit on hand. It should include: Jumper cables, a small air compressor to air up tires, LED road flares and/or regular flares, a flash light, spare batteries, an ice scraper, a collapsible shovel, a lock de-icer, a cellphone charger, hand-warmers, a blanket, water, protein bars, and a first aid kit.
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
