Winter Driving by Dave Bennion - A presentation on driving safely during winter weather conditions ie: snow or ice. Gives practical guidance to prepare for the season of difficult driving conditions.

1. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 1
Dave Bennion
BSc(Hons); Tech IOSH; SIIRSM RSP; ACIEH; DipEnvNEBOSH
MInstLM; CertCIH; MISQEM; AMIIAI
Health , Safety, Fire, Environmental & Quality Professional
Winter Driving?

2. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 2
Winter Driving

3. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 3
Driving can be dangerous what ever the weather! In winter
snow, ice and cold confront us so we need to be prepared.
Before making a journey in winter particularly long distance
think:
Is this journey necessary?
Could video conferencing be used with clients?
Could I work from home remotely rather than go into the
office?

4. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 4
If you must drive to the client:
Is there an alternative mode of transport ie: train (for long
journey)
Could you stay overnight and visit a number of clients over
a few days.
 If you must use your car make sure it is well maintained
and regularly serviced according to manufacturers
instructions.
 Ensure it is adequately insured (business insurance – if for
work).
 Ensure that you have breakdown/ recovery service.
 Make sure you have a planned route and someone knows.

5. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 5

6. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 6
Items to bring on a journey/ have in your car:
Ice scraper and de-icer.
Torch and spare batteries – or a wind-up torch.
Warm clothing and blankets.
Boots/ wellies with a good grip/ snow grips.
First aid kit – make sure it is stocked up.
Jump start cable.
Food and a warm drink in a thermos flask.
A shovel – use can get a retractable one to fit in the boot.
Reflective warning signs and a high vis jacket/ vest.
Road atlas as well as your sat-nav.
Sunglasses – you can get glare off the snow which can dazzle.
Mobile phone and charger.
Some money and emergency numbers.

7. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 7
Things to remember when driving in snow:
 Check the tyre tread and pressure, the screen wash levels
before you set off – make sure it has anti-freeze so water does not
freeze.
 Make sure your windows and mirrors are clear and the roof
does not have lots of snow which could fall when driving.
Only accelerate gently using low revs and change into a higher
gear as soon as possible to help reduce wheel slip.
When driving or parking leave a greater gap between you and
the car in front also remember slowing down will take longer.
Steer, brake and make gear changes smoothly and slowly.
Always allow plenty of time for the journey as traffic will move
slower.
Do not leave any accessories on charge overnight as it will drain
your battery such as mobile phone chargers, sat navs and ipads.
(They could also get stolen)

8. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 8
 If your car skids, steer gently into it – ie: rear of the
car skids to the right, steer to the right. Keep your
hands on the steering wheel and don’t brake hard.
 Braking is reduced greatly in snow normally by as
much as 10 times the normal distance recommended
between you and the car in front
 In packed snow a higher gear may help your tyres
gripping when driving off from stationary.
 The AA & RAC have lots of useful tips on their
websites!
 www.theaa.com www.rac.co.uk

9. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 9
Plan your route carefully:
 Listen to weather forecasts.
 Avoid country lines and poorly lit roads.
 Plan your route with stops and make sure someone at the
office knows.
 Keep in contact with the office at each stop off point to keep
them up to date if a long journey. Never use a phone and drive
– it is illegal. Keep “hands free” calls brief and make the caller
aware you are driving – if possible avoid calls until stationery
and the engine returned off with hand brake on.

10. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 10

11. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 11
It is not possible to cover all eventualities on this
presentation and therefore I have covered the
general broader issues for consideration.
If you are unsure of any of the issues raised please
speak to your health and safety manager , facilities
team or refer to the HSE website for further advice.

12. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 12
This presentation is a very basic outline. As a business you
will need to determine the level of training required by staff
to maintain a safe and protected business operations.
In no way does this presentation represent a suitable and
sufficient training package for staff as every business has
different needs thus no liability can be sought against the
owner of this material.
Remember it is the business owners responsibility to have
a suitable and sufficient business risk assessment in place,
to keep it up to date and provide “competent” training for
staff to fulfil their employed duties with regards to your
business operations.

13. 10/11/2016 Dave Bennion ©2016 13
Contact:
Mobile: 07900431649
E-mail:
davebennion7@gmail.com