A Fleet GPS Tracker & These Tips Keep Fleets Safe This Winter

When winter approaches with all its coldness and bleakness, it becomes important for fleet operators to take appropriate protective measures for their operations. It will be some time for the days to get warmer, even after the holiday season ends depending on where you are. 

To stay safe on the roads this winter, consider using a fleet GPS tracker powered by telematics technology and check out the guidelines explained below.

1. Prepare for Every Situation

You should start by inspecting your equipment. Make sure you have what you need before starting the journey. Prepare for every possible situation by creating a kit containing the following items.

  • Ice Scraper and De-icer – Needless to say, you need these to remove snow and ice from the front and rear windscreens before you set off.
  • Shovel and a Bag of Salt or Sand – This may come in handy in case you get stuck somewhere.
  • Jump Cables – You may need this if your truck or someone else’s will not start.
  • Flashlight - You can use it if you find yourself stuck on a deserted part of a road at night. The flashlight will also work as a signaling device on foggy or stormy days.
  • High-visibility Jacket - As the name suggests, it increases visibility. In case you are stuck somewhere on the road, put it on for your own safety and let rescuers or roadside assistance providers know where you are.
  • Blankets and Clothes - It always pays to carry extra clothes and blankets, particularly during the winter. You can use those if you get stranded somewhere to fight off hypothermia.
  • Food and Water - You will need that if you find yourself stuck somewhere awaiting recovery or held up by traffic.
  • Keep Half a Tank of Gas as Backup - A trip may take longer than expected, or you may need an alternative path.

2. Weather Updates

Stay updated with weather info before starting the journey. Also, remain aware of changing conditions and closed routes through radio or GPS. Telematics platforms can be profoundly helpful in these situations, as they can discover the precise locations of your drivers and the roads they take. Telematics solutions equipped with routing capabilities also let you find alternative, safer routes.

3. Use the Turn Signals

Fleet drivers follow one rule when changing lanes, regardless of the road condition. When they drive, they blink the turn signals four to five times before moving to the next lane. They adhere to this rule religiously. If your drivers don’t follow it yet, make sure that they do. Matching the speed with the other motorists is not necessary. The driver should control the vehicle by maintaining the speed and using the hazard lights. This act informs other commuters on the road that the fleet driver is going slower than them.

4. Set up Winter Tires

Safe winter driving does not start only with a fleet vehicle tracker but also with a set of winter tires. Visit NHTSA if you wish to review safety ratings first. Road conditions tend to change within moments during the winter months, and having these tires is the first step to being safe and prepared. Make sure that you replace existing winter tires once the tread depth reaches 4/32". Brand new tires have a tread depth of 12/32". Practicing proper tire etiquette is also crucial. Using winter tires during the warmer months will wear them down rapidly.

5. The Cooling System

Checking the cooling systems of fleet vehicles when it is snowing outside may seem strange. However, these systems keep the engines operating optimally within the appropriate temperature range throughout the year. If you choose the wrong coolant, it may freeze and cause maintenance issues. Therefore, pick a temperature-appropriate product.

Keeping Vehicles and Drivers Safe

Well, there you have it - an inclusive list of winter driving safety tips for fleet vehicles and drivers. If you follow these guidelines, you can continue your business unhindered in the winter without worrying about mishaps.

Connected car technologies can also come to the rescue of fleet drivers and vehicles when winter commuting becomes almost impossible. For instance, a vehicle GPS tracker can tell you where your drivers and vehicles are during a severe winter storm. If they get caught up, you can relay the information to customers waiting for their deliveries.

Connected vehicle devices collect valuable data about driver behavior, including speeding, aggressive braking, sharp cornering, etc. This information can tell you which drivers follow safety protocols and help you intervene and prevent risky behavior before anything untoward happens.

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