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Safety Essentials to Help Keep Fleets Safe on Winter Roads

By  Utica National Risk Management Team  ·  1 minute read

Driving conditions during the winter can be challenging, even for the most experienced drivers. Icy roads and blankets of snow can impede fleets. Whether it’s city deliveries, rural commutes, or treks on the highway, the risks of accidents, delays, and costly claims spike with the winter weather. It is essential to be proactive with preparation and driving resources during the winter months to help keep your team safe and operations running smoothly.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your fleets for the season:

  1. Ready your vehicles – The first step with vehicle winterization is switching to winter or all-season tires. Checking tire pressure and for general wear are recommended as well. Top off antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid and check on wiper blades and batteries to ensure they are prepared to handle cold temperatures and snowy conditions.
  2. Empower your drivers with winter training – Your drivers will be the frontline defense when working in these conditions, so it is vital to ensure they are as prepared as the vehicles they are driving. Training tips for drivers include increasing following distances, using weather apps to plan trips, rotating shifts (especially on night-time drives), and using a telematics system to make sure drivers are going at the correct speeds for the current conditions.
  3. Provide emergency kits for every vehicle –The unexpected can sometimes be inevitable in the winter months. It is better to be proactive instead of reactive in difficult driving situations. Create an emergency kit that includes items such as blankets, flares, shovels, ice scrapers, jumper cables, non-perishable food, and portable chargers/emergency phone. If a driver must pull off the road for a short time, they have essentials to help keep them safe.

Taking the necessary steps to prepare your vehicles and drivers for winter driving conditions can help make the season safer and more efficient. While snowy conditions and freezing temperatures are inevitable during the winter months, being proactive before severe weather strikes can help you to protect your fleets before they hit the road.

Source (s) used:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Winter Driving Tips. U.S. Department of Transportation. Last Accessed October 6, 2025.