Many small businesses operate in parts of the country that experience harsh winters. In these areas winter creates cold weather hazards like slippery sidewalks and roof leaks. It can also produce snowy roads, icy overpasses and other dangerous driving conditions. Winter driving hazards are a particular concern for businesses like courier services and real estate agencies that depend on autos to perform their day-to-day activities.

These businesses use vehicles throughout the year and cannot cease operations during the winter months.

Do your employees drive on the job in cold weather? If so, they could be injured in an accident caused by slippery road conditions. Workers could also get lost or disoriented in a heavy snowstorm and suffer injuries from exposure to cold. Fortunately, you can safeguard your workers from winter driving hazards via three simple steps. The first is to winterize your vehicles to ensure they will operate properly in cold temperatures. The second step involves equipping each auto with a cold weather emergency kit. Thirdly, you can help your workers avoid accidents by educating them in safe winter driving techniques.

Preparing Vehicles for the Winter

It's important to prepare your firm's vehicles for the winter months before cold weather arrives. Have each vehicle serviced to ensure that the engine, brakes, transmission, exhaust system, defroster and heater are operating properly. Ask your mechanic to evaluate the condition of the battery, including its cables and terminals.

Belts, hoses and wiper blades should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.

Be sure that your mechanic checks the status of engine oil, brake fluid and coolant in each vehicle. Windshield washer reservoirs should be filled. Finally, make sure that the tires on your vehicles are properly inflated and have adequate tread. If your business is located in an area that receives a significant amount of snowfall, consider purchasing a set of winter (snow) tires for each vehicle. Winter tires provide much better traction on snowy roads than all-season tires.

Emergency Supplies

Snowstorms can occur unexpectedly or generate more snow than anticipated. In either case, you or your employees may become stranded in a vehicle. You can protect your workers against such events by outfitting each vehicle with an emergency kit. A list of suggested items is provided below.  Note that if your company utilizes vehicles owned by employees (non-owned autos), each of those autos should contain an emergency kit as well.

• Windshield scraper and a brush for removing snow
• Blanket and extra clothing such as sweatshirt, sweatpants, hat and gloves
• Flares, matches, a flashlight and batteries
• Drinking water and nonperishable snacks such as granola bars
• Jumper cables, rope, and a set of tools
• First aid kit
• Shovel and a bag of sand or similar material for traction
• Cell phone and charger

Winter Driving Tips

Driving on a road covered with snow, ice or freezing rain is much different from driving on dry pavement. Snow and ice reduce the traction between the tires and the road. Loss of traction can make vehicles difficult to control. Here are some tips to help you and your employees stay safe on slippery roads. For additional winter driving tips, contact your commercial auto insurer.

• Pay attention to weather reports. Don't drive if heavy snow is predicted.
• Plan your route and communicate your itinerary to your supervisor or assistant.
• Make sure your gas tank is full.
• Clear ice and snow from the vehicle before driving
• Fasten your seat belt before venturing out.
• Drive slowly and don't accelerate or decelerate quickly.
• Maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Know your brakes! To stop a vehicle with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), press on the brake pedal firmly. Don't pump the brakes. To stop a vehicle without ABS, do pump the brakes.
• Drive especially carefully on bridges or overpasses as these may be icy.
• Keep to main roads. Avoid driving on back roads.
• To avoid getting stuck in snow when driving up a hill, try to keep moving at a low speed. Stepping on the gas too hard may cause your wheels to spin.
• If you do become stuck in bad weather, stay in your vehicle. Signal for help by tying something brightly colored (such as a scarf) around the vehicle's antenna.