ROAD SAFETY
ROAD SAFETY THIS WINTER
D
riving in the winter is very different than in other
times of the year. Adverse weather and longer
periods of darkness (especially now the clocks have
gone back) makes driving more hazardous.
Sometimes conditions can be extreme, as we have found
out over the last two winters in particular, with prolonged
periods of heavy snow and floods.
Your Vehicle
It's a good idea to have your vehicle fully serviced
before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested. If you
can't have it serviced, then do your own checks. In
particular, check: Lights are clean and working; Battery is
fully charged; Windscreen, wiper blades and other
windows are clean and the washer bottle filled with screen
wash; Tyre condition, tread depth and pressure (of all the
tyres, including the spare); Brakes are working well;
Fluids are kept topped up, especially windscreen wash (to
the correct concentration to prevent it freezing), antifreeze and oil; It's also a good idea to stock up on de-icer,
windscreen wash, oil and anti-freeze at the start of winter.
Whilst driving in the Moorlands this winter
Listen to local/national weather broadcasts and travel
bulletins, have your car radio on or activate the traffic
reports if your playing a CD. If you are travelling further
afield then take note of the weather especially for the areas
you will be driving through. As conditions can change
rapidly, check them regularly and be prepared to change
your plans if conditions on your route worsen. If
conditions are very bad, and the emergency services are
recommending that people don't travel, then avoid
making your journey unless it is absolutely necessary. Can
you postpone your trip? Can you travel by other means,
or avoid the need for the journey completely by using the
phone or email? Of course, what's ‘essential’ to one person
may not be to another; we each have to make our own
decisions according to our circumstances. But, try to be
realistic about which journeys are essential and which
ones could be postponed.
If it is important to travel then let someone know
where you are going and what time you hope to arrive, so
that they can raise the alarm if you get into difficulties;
Plan alternative routes in case your main choice(s)
becomes impassable; Keep your fuel tank near to full to
ensure that you do not run out; Make sure you have a fully
charged mobile phone, so you can call for help or alert
someone if you're delayed – it could be a long walk to a
phone, if you don't have a mobile phone.
Clear your windows and mirrors completely of snow
and ice before you set off (make sure the heater is blowing
warm air before setting off – it will keep your windscreen
clear.) A car cover is always advisable as it not only keeps
your windows clear but reduces time in clearing the snow
and ice.
Gary Spence MIIRSM MIIAI GradIOSH MCMI
Director
SHEQ Management Consultancy
SHEQ Management Consultancy
• Consultancy services • Training • Health & Safety
• Fire Safety • Road Safety Management
• Accident Investigation
Safety • Health • Environment • Quality
We provide a wide range of health and safety, environmental, quality and management
services to compliment your business in order to reduce risk, improve safety and wellbeing
for your employees and to ensure that your organisation is legally compliant.
We do so with your business need's in mind. We add value to your bottom line by helping
you reduce costs, comply with the law and ensure that everyone affected by your
organisation is kept free from harm.
Telephone: 07933 192280
www.sheq-management-consultancy.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Leek Life November/December 2013 47