Unsafe driving maneuvers including harsh acceleration and braking, sharp turns (cornering), and speeding over 80 mph become even more dangerous in winter weather conditions. Staying on top of driver safety is a lot to remember day-in and day-out. The simplest thing to do is give yourself and your drivers daily reminders about safety measures. That way, safe driving and productivity are always at the front of everybody’s minds.

Here are 5 top tips for safe winter driving:

1. Keep your distance. Large vehicles, weighed down with heavy equipment or parcels, need more time and room to maneuver in adverse conditions. Give yourself room to react to traffic by adding some distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

2. Stay in your lane. Pick the best lane and stick with it for safety and efficiency. It might seem like a good idea to work your way through traffic by switching into faster-moving lanes. Staying in the same lane keeps you on a steady track and allows you to be ready for your next turn far ahead of time, increasing safety.

3. Slow down. Drivers are often on a tight schedule, so adding a bit of speed is tempting. The dangers of causing an accident far outweigh any benefits of speeding, though, and it’s against the law. It’s best to stay safe and within the legal speed limit. Fleet management software can prompt alerts for things like speeding, idling, harsh braking, and so on. For example, if you want drivers to slow down in the rain or snow, trigger a lower-limit speeding alert when the vehicle's wipers are active.

4. Get rest. Driving while over-tired has been shown to be nearly as dangerous as driving under the influence. Make sure to get plenty of rest so you can show up ready to perform the job productively and safely.

5. Pull over when needed. If conditions aren’t safe or visibility is too low, pull over to the side of the road. It’s better to wait than drive dangerously. As you wait, make sure to put your hazard lights on and set up emergency cones or flashers to alert other drivers on where you are.

So, whether it's 2018's Winter Storm Grayson, the "historic bomb cyclone," a small blizzard or just extremely low temperatures, inclement weather is bound to hit during the winter. Sharing preventive driving tips early and often is an important safety measure that must be taken seriously during the busy winter holiday season.

About the Author: Chris Ransom is the associate director of solutions engineering at Verizon Connect.