Unite the union
A guide to
driving in
ADVERSE
WEATHER
A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER
www.unitetheunion.org
Introduction:
what is this guide for?
This Unite guide has been produced with these objectives:
to provide our members with assistance in situations which can often be very
confusing and can lead to potential conflict between a driver and their manager.
to provide reminders to the professional driver of the increased hazards of driving
during adverse weather. It is acknowledged that, as professional drivers, you will
know this information but we hope that this guide will help reduce the already
great pressure that a professional driver faces on a daily basis.
to assist transport managers and supervisors in understanding the increased
risks faced by the driver during these conditions.
to enable our Stewards and Safety Representatives to engage locally with their
management team to develop an Adverse Weather Policy; aimed at assisting all
parties to achieve the deliveries required, whilst ensuring the safety of the driver
and other road users.
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A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER
This guide is for you – the professional driver
It offers simple advice to support you during inclement weather and help you reduce the risk of
accidents.
Most of this guidance relates to driving in the adverse conditions created by cold, wet and
windy weather but hot weather is also covered.
In recent years we have witnessed and experienced more extremes of weather which continue
to add pressure and significant challenges to those already faced by professional drivers on a
daily basis.
It is expected that these extremes will continue, therefore it is imperative that you, the
professional driver, is reminded of the risks involved and that employers understand the
dangers that are faced whilst the driver is at work.
A few points to consider:
Check your vehicle is fit for purpose
Plan your route – as much as is possible
Check the weather forecast for your route and planned day
Adapt your driving style to suit the conditions
The ability to plan ahead and prepare for potential road closures and diversions will help
ensure your safety and your safe return. In turn this will also ensure that the safety of the
public is maintained.
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What the law says:
managing work-related road safety
Vehicle operators, people or companies who load vehicles, and drivers all have legal duties –
the professional driver is not the only person who is responsible!
Your employer must have in place systems to ensure compliance with road traffic law and
health and safety law. They must ensure the safety and health of their employees and anyone
else affected by their activities as far as is reasonably practicable.
This includes carrying out risk assessments relating to the routes to be taken (eg to ensure
that they are realistic) and to the activities such as loading and unloading, including the
arrangements to be made in adverse weather conditions. This will include ensuring the drivers
know what to do to keep themselves safe if they break down, and also knowing whom to
contact if they break down or weather conditions mean they will need to cancel a journey.
Under road traffic law responsibility lies with anyone who uses, or causes or permits another
person to use a motor vehicle or trailer on the road when it is in a dangerous condition, including
the weight, position or distribution of its load or the manner in which the load is secured.
Your employer has duties to ensure that the vehicle is suitable for use, and fit for purpose and
conditions in which it is to be used; maintained in a safe condition so that people’s health and
safety is not at risk (eg windscreen wipers); and ensure that it is, and continues to be, safe for use.
Your employer should provide suitable training regarding safe loading, unloading and load
shift if drivers are responsible for securing the load. Drivers should be provided with suitable
equipment, which is kept properly maintained,
Your employer must consult you about all health and safety matters which may affect you.
Unite safety representatives have a crucial role in ensuring that members’ concerns are raised
and then acted on by the employer.
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A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER
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Unite Guide to driving in Adverse Weather
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IMPORTANT
Professional drivers must record defects. You should report them to
your employer
Your employer should not pressure you to “give it a go” or say “we’ll get it
sorted once you are back”
This pressure should not occur even in good weather conditions. It is
unlawful (and irresponsible) for any employer to try and force you out
onto the road with faulty equipment at any time; this is even more
unacceptable when there is bad weather.
The DVSA (the government department which now includes VOSA) and
the police can stop a vehicle at any time and carry out roadside checks,
and issue prohibition and penalty notices for defects found.
Though your employer also has responsibilities, it is you, the professional
driver, who will be fined or prosecuted if you take a defective vehicle on
to the road.
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SAFETY
CHECKS
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PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S CHECKLIST:
ALL TYPES OF WEATHER CONDITIONS
SAFETY CHECKS
Vehicle checks MUST be carried out and recorded appropriately before starting
your planned day, whatever the weather.
You are legally responsible for:
Checking the vehicle is roadworthy
Ensuring all required equipment is in working order
Not driving any vehicle that has a major fault or if any defect in your opinion as
the professional driver compromises the safety of the vehicle
PLAN AHEAD
Before starting your journey in bad weather, you should know your route in detail to
allow you to identify any potential hazards en route due to poor weather conditions.
You will also be able to identify and plan where you will stop for rest breaks.
You should take advice from other drivers over problems that you may face on your
planned journey as they may have encountered problems
whilst on their route.
Route Planning
Due to the weather conditions you may need to allow
additional time. Taking this time before you leave may
save you time on the road.
When planning always look for an alternative route that
may be required due to road closures.
HOT WEATHER
Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness.
Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may
become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking.
If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.
Ensure that you have sunglasses with UV protection.
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A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER
WINDY CONDITIONS
Headwind and Crosswind
When driving into a headwind at motorway speeds a splitter gearbox may allow
you to maintain a good headway at slightly higher engine revs
Remember to change back up the gearbox once the headwind has reduced.
In gusty winds it is important to keep a slow but steady pace
Take extra care when driving a high-sided vehicle with a light load
Control your steering – side winds can cause a high sided vehicle to veer out of a
lane
High winds – watch out for damage on and around
the carriageway
Lamp posts and signs
Telephone, electrical and overhead wires
Scaffolding – temporary structures especially around
construction sites
Trees
Buildings
Vehicles
Wind-blown debris
WET WEATHER
You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you
cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet).
Heavy rain and spray
Rain and heavy rain reduces visibility as it bounces off your windscreen. Your
vehicle may “fog up” on the inside and on your wing mirrors making visibility harder.
Fast moving traffic causes spray creating a cloud effect.
This causes a hazard for all other road users.
When driving at low speed, visibility can be impaired as
water from side windows and mirrors affects your view.
Consider the following when driving in wet weather
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Turn on your vehicle’s lights so they can be seen by
other road users
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Use longer braking distances to slow your vehicle more smoothly
Keep well back from the vehicle in front
Make your vehicle’s movements known with extended use of your indicators
Try to anticipate the movements of other road users (e.g. sudden movements to
avoid areas of standing water)
Encourage your employer to fit safety equipment to vehicles that helps control
spray from tyres etc
Be aware that spray and water from your vehicle can be a hazard for other road
users, particularly cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians
Be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery
Ensure that the cab ventilation is operating to minimise fogging of the windows
WINTER WEATHER
It is acknowledged that in the winter months vehicle performance can be reduced
by around 10% compared to other times of the year. This means that the use of fog
lights, screen wash, de-misters, wipers etc is greatly increased and the need to
check these more frequently is important. There is also increased glare from the
sun when it is lower in the sky, and from wet roads – so sunglasses are also
recommended for some winter driving.
SNOW
When you have to drive in cold weather try to find
out what the outside temperature is, especially on
long ascents, as temperatures can drop rapidly,
and even more so at night time. With dropping
temperatures comes the heightened risk of rain
turning to snow very quickly. Use your vehicle’s
outside temperature gauge to monitor this.
Heavy falling snow will force other road users to change their driving style e.g.
by slowing down
By driving in heavy snow you make “tram lines”. This will allow other vehicles to
follow through safely
Gentle use of the controls is required to ensure your vehicle is responsive to the
slippery conditions
You should use the differential lock on the drive axles to increase grip
Use of high gears at low engine revs helps avoid wheel spin
Be aware that weather conditions – and road conditions – can change very
quickly
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A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER
ICE
Ice builds up on the windscreen and windows and along the vehicle body and on
the roof of your trailer. This will present a risk to both you and other road users.
Black ice is invisible to the eye; it can form without warning
Observe Black Ice Warning indicators in your cab if they are fitted
Brake gently and early as braking distances will increase greatly
Steering and braking needs to be gentle so as to maintain the centre of gravity of
your vehicle thus reducing skid risk
Ice reduces the traction, steering and braking capabilities of your vehicle
Ice can fall from your vehicle and cause problems for pedestrians, cyclists and
other road users
SLUSH
Reduce speed during slushy conditions
Be mindful that there may be ice under the slush
Be mindful of other vehicles as they may struggle more in these conditions
Be mindful of potential damage to your vehicle, as slush covers kerbs
Slush can also affect your ability to judge your vehicle position as you approach
junctions and roundabouts etc
Road markings will also become covered in slush and create further hazards
Slush debris can fall from from your vehicle and cause problems for pedestrians,
cyclists and other road users
FOG
You must use headlights when visibility is seriously
reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100
metres (328 feet).
Fog reduces the driver’s visibility over longer distances.
Slowing down on motorways and trunk roads may increase
the risk of accidents if other road users do not slow down.
When driving in fog:
Be aware that fog limits visibility. Slow down to a safe speed
Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.
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Use your fog lights – remembering to turn them off once they are not required to
avoid dazzling other road users
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Use your windscreen wipers and demisters
Beware of other drivers not using headlights
Being able to see the fog lights of the vehicle in front does not mean you have
time to stop
Be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly
FLOOD WATER
Once the snow melts it often causes flooding, resulting in
diversions and road closures.
If you have to cross a flooded road do so at the highest point of
the road camber
Keep a low steady speed to avoid creating an additional hazard
by creating a wave for other vehicles
Dab (press) your brakes several times after getting them wet to
ensure they are working to their best capability
Flood water may be flowing, placing additional load on your
vehicle from the side; if possible stay in the middle of the road,
taking into account other road users
VISIBILITY
The importance of visibility cannot be underestimated.
Windscreen and Windows
It is easy in wintry conditions for condensation to build very quickly restricting the
view. Ice can easily form on unheated windows and screens.
Ensure that the windscreen is free from cracks and chips which impair visability
Ensure that the all the glass on the cab is cleaned with a suitable cleaning
product
Make sure there is sufficient blow onto windscreens and windows from the heater
Ensure that air vents are free from obstruction
Where possible use your night heater to defrost your cab before you start the engine
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are vital to ensure that you have good visibility of the road ahead and
around you. If they become iced up they can be damaged, reducing the efficiency of
the blades which in turn leads to restricted views from the cab.
Check the wiper blades and ask them to be replaced if they are damaged
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A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER
Screen Wash
Screen wash can freeze in very cold weather especially around the feeder pipes
that are exposed to the weather. Consider the following:
Use neat screen wash with a freeze point of -20 degrees C
Neat screen wash will also help to unblock frozen nozzles
When roads have been salted/gritted this increases the need to use your screen
wash to ensure good visibility is maintained
Check that your screen wash reservoir is topped up and ensure that you will have
the opportunity during your planned day to top up again if necessary
Wing Mirrors
It is commonplace now that wing mirrors are heated. If your vehicle has this
function, make sure it is working and use it.
Clean your mirrors before every journey and whenever necessary during the
journey
Your employer’s maintenance programme should ensure that they replace any
broken or cracked glass before every journey. Make sure you report it
Fuel
Always ensure that you have sufficient fuel to complete your
journey. In adverse weather you will need to take into account
potential delays, including being stranded. You will need to
sure that you will be able to refuel later in your planned day to
allow you to return.
Brakes
In cold weather air systems are more susceptible to faults so extra caution should
be taken.
Before every journey:
Charge air tanks and turn off engine
Listen for leaks in hoses and brake compartments - in cold weather hoses are
more prone to damage
Monitor air tank readouts
When coupling up to a trailer visually and audibly check the components with a
brake test
Remember to carry out a test of your brakes with a simple tap of the pedal, to
ensure they are working before you leave each location
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Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
In icy or snowy conditions gentle braking needs to be applied. This is because there
is potential for skidding or locking up the drive axle as the following axles on the
vehicle rely on the drive axles to brake the vehicle.
Tyres
In cold weather, tyres can appear to be under-inflated as the
air pressure inside drops with the temperature. Tyres need to
be checked regularly to ensure that as the weather and
temperature changes the tyres are maintained at the correct
operating pressure.
Lights and reflectors
It is vital in adverse weather that you are visible to other road users:
Before your journey check that all of the lights are working all round your vehicle
The use of road salt can diminish the effectiveness of a vehicle’s headlights as
the salt dries on the headlight. This means that lights need to be cleaned more
frequently
Remember to turn off fog lights once the fog has cleared so as not to dazzle
other road users
The reflective side markers along your vehicle must always be visible to other road
users. In addition,:
Regularly check and clean ALL onboard lights
Ensure that all reflectors and markers are free from obstruction at each stop
before proceeding to your next stop
Trailer beds, ladders and catwalks
Slips, trips and falls account for a high number of accidents. The risk of a fall
increases during wet, windy, snowy and icy conditions. To reduce this risk:
Ensure that you have been supplied with suitable footwear for the many
conditions you may be working in
Carefully remove any snow and/or ice from the walkways and access
steps/ladders
avoid standing or walking on the bed of a flatbed vehicle wherever possible, but
particularly in poor weather conditions. If you need to go on a trailer bed, take
extra care when working on exposed areas
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A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER
Curtain sided trailers
In high winds curtain siders can be more vulnerable and are at risk of being blown
over, particularly if they are not carrying a load.
In high winds be aware of the risk of “blow over” due to the differential of air
pressure between the windward side and the leeward of the vehicle
Employers should take account of severe weather warnings and local weather
when deciding if a journey should be cancelled.
When you are running empty in a curtain sider it may be necessary to tie back
the curtains. When making this decision you must be aware of all the risks
involved – for example check that the curtains can be secured safely and ensure
there is no loose equipment present.
You must check that the curtains can be restrained properly. If this cannot be
done then your employer should consider rerouting you to avoid exposed routes
or consider cancelling that run until it is safe to complete
Damage to curtains MUST be repaired immediately and certainly before the
trailer is put back into use and is a particular concern for XL trailers where
curtains may be used for load restraint. Damage repairs are not solely to protect
the load but also to ensure the safety of other road users
Any damage that occurs whilst en route must be assessed before proceeding
further.
Straps and Lashings
In severe weather conditions you need to more vigilant when
driving a curtain sided trailer or a flat bed with a sheeted load.
You will need to check the vehicle more regularly to ensure
there are no loose lashings etc that may break away during
the severe weather conditions, causing danger to other road
users.
Ensure all lashings are in good condition and secured to the
load bearing part of the trailer structure.
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Further information
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Driving for Work – managing work-related road safety.
This guidance booklet provides useful checklists to help employers and drivers
understand what they need to do.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg382.pdf
Workplace transport webpages
These webpages provide useful additional advice and information for drivers and
their employers.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/index.htm
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
This incorporates the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle and
Operator Services Agency
www.gov.uk/dvsa
Department for Transport
‘Think!’ Department for Transport’s road safety site for road users:
http://think.direct.gov.uk
Highway Code
Sections 226-237 Driving in adverse weather conditions
http://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions---overview226.html
Health and Safety Laboratory
Transport safety: an operator’s guide to safe loading and transport (2012) £30
Load safe:a professional driver’s guide to safe loading and transport (2012) £15
Warning
Do not use your phone or other equipment to access these electronic links while
you are driving. This is illegal - and loss of concentration creates an additional
hazard to you and other road users.
Photos supplied by freefotos.com and thinkstock.
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Unitetheunion1
A guide to
driving in
ADVERSE
WEATHER
6869/DP/2-2015
www.unitetheunion.org