Copyright © 2009 The Hartford, All Rights Reserved Winter Driving Fleet Conference.

Copyright © 2009 The Hartford, All Rights Reserved

Winter Driving

Fleet Conference

Pre-Trip Inspection

• Windows

• Heater/defroster

• Wipers/washers

• Mirrors

• Headlights

• Fuel levels

• Tires/chains

• Sand/shovel

Decrease Speed

• Reduced traction

• Posted speed may be too fast

• Don’t go with the flow

• Allow extra time for trips

• Watch for squeeze plays

• Snow banks create blind areas

• Do not use Cruise Control

Increase Following Distance

• Space cushion rule

– 3 seconds +

• Smooth operation

– Accelerate gradually

– Avoid sudden braking

• ABS - Antilock Brake Systems

Electronic Stability Control

• Reduce Single Vehicle Crashes by more than 40% • Reduces the risk of fatal single-vehicle rollovers by

over 75%

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Communicate

Seeing and Being Seen:

• Headlights

• Running lights

• Directional signals

• 4 way flashers

Preventing a Jackknife

• Brake before a turn, not in it

• Apply power smoothly to drive axle

• Smooth gear shifts

• Smooth clutch engagements

• Decelerate slowly

• Avoid sudden braking

Summary

• Pre-Trip Inspection

• Decrease Speed – SLOW DOWN

• Increase Following Distance

• Communicate

• Prevent a Jackknife