A guide todriving in

Unite the union

ADVERSEWEATHER

A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER www.unitetheunion.org

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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 veryconfusing and can lead to potential conflict between a driver and their manager.

to provide reminders to the professional driver of the increased hazards of drivingduring adverse weather. It is acknowledged that, as professional drivers, you willknow this information but we hope that this guide will help reduce the alreadygreat pressure that a professional driver faces on a daily basis.

to assist transport managers and supervisors in understanding the increasedrisks faced by the driver during these conditions.

to enable our Stewards and Safety Representatives to engage locally with theirmanagement team to develop an Adverse Weather Policy; aimed at assisting allparties to achieve the deliveries required, whilst ensuring the safety of the driverand other road users.

A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER www.unitetheunion.org

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This guide is for you – the professional driverIt offers simple advice to support you during inclement weather and help you reduce the risk ofaccidents.

Most of this guidance relates to driving in the adverse conditions created by cold, wet andwindy weather but hot weather is also covered.

In recent years we have witnessed and experienced more extremes of weather which continueto add pressure and significant challenges to those already faced by professional drivers on adaily basis.

It is expected that these extremes will continue, therefore it is imperative that you, theprofessional driver, is reminded of the risks involved and that employers understand thedangers 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 helpensure your safety and your safe return. In turn this will also ensure that the safety of thepublic is maintained.

What the law says:managing work-related road safetyVehicle 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 andhealth and safety law. They must ensure the safety and health of their employees and anyoneelse 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 ensurethat they are realistic) and to the activities such as loading and unloading, including thearrangements to be made in adverse weather conditions. This will include ensuring the driversknow what to do to keep themselves safe if they break down, and also knowing whom tocontact 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 anotherperson to use a motor vehicle or trailer on the road when it is in a dangerous condition, includingthe 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 andconditions in which it is to be used; maintained in a safe condition so that people’s health andsafety 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 loadshift if drivers are responsible for securing the load. Drivers should be provided with suitableequipment, 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 raisedand then acted on by the employer.

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A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER www.unitetheunion.org

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Unite Guide to driving in Adverse Weather

PROFESSIONAL DRIVER’S CHECKLIST:ALL TYPES OF WEATHER CONDITIONS

SAFETY CHECKSVehicle checks MUST be carried out and recorded appropriately before startingyour planned day, whatever the weather.

You are legally responsible for:

Checking the vehicle is roadworthyEnsuring all required equipment is in working orderNot driving any vehicle that has a major fault or if any defect in your opinion asthe professional driver compromises the safety of the vehicle

PLAN AHEADBefore starting your journey in bad weather, you should know your route in detail toallow 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 yourplanned journey as they may have encountered problemswhilst on their route.

Route PlanningDue to the weather conditions you may need to allowadditional time. Taking this time before you leave maysave you time on the road.

When planning always look for an alternative route thatmay be required due to road closures.

HOT WEATHERKeep 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 maybecome 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.

SAFETYCHECKS?

I 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 itsorted once you are back”

This pressure should not occur even in good weather conditions. It isunlawful (and irresponsible) for any employer to try and force you outonto the road with faulty equipment at any time; this is even moreunacceptable when there is bad weather.

The DVSA (the government department which now includes VOSA) andthe 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 professionaldriver, who will be fined or prosecuted if you take a defective vehicle onto the road.

A guide to driving in ADVERSE WEATHER www.unitetheunion.org

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Use longer braking distances to slow your vehicle more smoothlyKeep well back from the vehicle in frontMake your vehicle’s movements known with extended use of your indicatorsTry to anticipate the movements of other road users (e.g. sudden movements toavoid areas of standing water)Encourage your employer to fit safety equipment to vehicles that helps controlspray from tyres etcBe aware that spray and water from your vehicle can be a hazard for other roadusers, particularly cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestriansBe aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slipperyEnsure 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 reducedby around 10% compared to other times of the year. This means that the use of foglights, screen wash, de-misters, wipers etc is greatly increased and the need tocheck these more frequently is important. There is also increased glare from thesun when it is lower in the sky, and from wet roads – so sunglasses are alsorecommended for some winter driving.

SNOW

When you have to drive in cold weather try to findout what the outside temperature is, especially onlong ascents, as temperatures can drop rapidly,and even more so at night time. With droppingtemperatures comes the heightened risk of rainturning to snow very quickly. Use your vehicle’soutside temperature gauge to monitor this.

Heavy falling snow will force other road users to change their driving style e.g.by slowing downBy driving in heavy snow you make “tram lines”. This will allow other vehicles tofollow through safelyGentle use of the controls is required to ensure your vehicle is responsive to theslippery conditionsYou should use the differential lock on the drive axles to increase grip Use of high gears at low engine revs helps avoid wheel spinBe aware that weather conditions – and road conditions – can change veryquickly

WINDY CONDITIONS

Headwind and CrosswindWhen driving into a headwind at motorway speeds a splitter gearbox may allowyou to maintain a good headway at slightly higher engine revsRemember to change back up the gearbox once the headwind has reduced. In gusty winds it is important to keep a slow but steady paceTake extra care when driving a high-sided vehicle with a light loadControl your steering – side winds can cause a high sided vehicle to veer out of alane

High winds – watch out for damage on and aroundthe carriagewayLamp posts and signsTelephone, electrical and overhead wiresScaffolding – temporary structures especially aroundconstruction sitesTreesBuildingsVehiclesWind-blown debris

WET WEATHER

You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when youcannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet).

Heavy rain and sprayRain and heavy rain reduces visibility as it bounces off your windscreen. Yourvehicle 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 aswater from side windows and mirrors affects your view.

Consider the following when driving in wet weather Turn on your vehicle’s lights so they can be seen byother road users

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ICE

Ice builds up on the windscreen and windows and along the vehicle body and onthe 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 warningObserve Black Ice Warning indicators in your cab if they are fittedBrake gently and early as braking distances will increase greatlySteering and braking needs to be gentle so as to maintain the centre of gravity ofyour vehicle thus reducing skid riskIce reduces the traction, steering and braking capabilities of your vehicleIce can fall from your vehicle and cause problems for pedestrians, cyclists andother road users

SLUSH

Reduce speed during slushy conditionsBe mindful that there may be ice under the slushBe mindful of other vehicles as they may struggle more in these conditionsBe mindful of potential damage to your vehicle, as slush covers kerbsSlush can also affect your ability to judge your vehicle position as you approachjunctions and roundabouts etcRoad markings will also become covered in slush and create further hazardsSlush 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 seriouslyreduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100metres (328 feet).

Fog reduces the driver’s visibility over longer distances.Slowing down on motorways and trunk roads may increasethe 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 speedKeep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Use your fog lights – remembering to turn them off once they are not required toavoid dazzling other road users

Use your windscreen wipers and demistersBeware of other drivers not using headlightsBeing able to see the fog lights of the vehicle in front does not mean you havetime to stopBe able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly

FLOOD WATER

Once the snow melts it often causes flooding, resulting indiversions and road closures.If you have to cross a flooded road do so at the highest point ofthe road camberKeep a low steady speed to avoid creating an additional hazardby creating a wave for other vehiclesDab (press) your brakes several times after getting them wet toensure they are working to their best capabilityFlood water may be flowing, placing additional load on yourvehicle 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 WindowsIt is easy in wintry conditions for condensation to build very quickly restricting theview. Ice can easily form on unheated windows and screens.

Ensure that the windscreen is free from cracks and chips which impair visabilityEnsure that the all the glass on the cab is cleaned with a suitable cleaningproductMake sure there is sufficient blow onto windscreens and windows from the heaterEnsure that air vents are free from obstructionWhere possible use your night heater to defrost your cab before you start the engine

Wiper BladesWiper blades are vital to ensure that you have good visibility of the road ahead andaround you. If they become iced up they can be damaged, reducing the efficiency ofthe 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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Screen WashScreen wash can freeze in very cold weather especially around the feeder pipesthat are exposed to the weather. Consider the following:

Use neat screen wash with a freeze point of -20 degrees CNeat screen wash will also help to unblock frozen nozzlesWhen roads have been salted/gritted this increases the need to use your screenwash to ensure good visibility is maintainedCheck that your screen wash reservoir is topped up and ensure that you will havethe opportunity during your planned day to top up again if necessary

Wing MirrorsIt is commonplace now that wing mirrors are heated. If your vehicle has thisfunction, make sure it is working and use it.

Clean your mirrors before every journey and whenever necessary during thejourneyYour employer’s maintenance programme should ensure that they replace anybroken or cracked glass before every journey. Make sure you report it

FuelAlways ensure that you have sufficient fuel to complete yourjourney. In adverse weather you will need to take into accountpotential delays, including being stranded. You will need tosure that you will be able to refuel later in your planned day toallow you to return.

BrakesIn cold weather air systems are more susceptible to faults so extra caution shouldbe taken.

Before every journey:Charge air tanks and turn off engineListen for leaks in hoses and brake compartments - in cold weather hoses aremore prone to damageMonitor air tank readoutsWhen coupling up to a trailer visually and audibly check the components with abrake testRemember to carry out a test of your brakes with a simple tap of the pedal, toensure they are working before you leave each location

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)In icy or snowy conditions gentle braking needs to be applied. This is because thereis potential for skidding or locking up the drive axle as the following axles on thevehicle rely on the drive axles to brake the vehicle.

TyresIn cold weather, tyres can appear to be under-inflated as theair pressure inside drops with the temperature. Tyres need tobe checked regularly to ensure that as the weather andtemperature changes the tyres are maintained at the correctoperating pressure.

Lights and reflectorsIt 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 vehicleThe use of road salt can diminish the effectiveness of a vehicle’s headlights asthe salt dries on the headlight. This means that lights need to be cleaned morefrequently Remember to turn off fog lights once the fog has cleared so as not to dazzleother road users

The reflective side markers along your vehicle must always be visible to other roadusers. In addition,:Regularly check and clean ALL onboard lightsEnsure that all reflectors and markers are free from obstruction at each stopbefore proceeding to your next stop

Trailer beds, ladders and catwalksSlips, trips and falls account for a high number of accidents. The risk of a fallincreases during wet, windy, snowy and icy conditions. To reduce this risk:Ensure that you have been supplied with suitable footwear for the manyconditions you may be working inCarefully remove any snow and/or ice from the walkways and accesssteps/laddersavoid standing or walking on the bed of a flatbed vehicle wherever possible, butparticularly in poor weather conditions. If you need to go on a trailer bed, takeextra care when working on exposed areas

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Curtain sided trailersIn high winds curtain siders can be more vulnerable and are at risk of being blownover, particularly if they are not carrying a load.

In high winds be aware of the risk of “blow over” due to the differential of airpressure between the windward side and the leeward of the vehicle Employers should take account of severe weather warnings and local weatherwhen deciding if a journey should be cancelled. When you are running empty in a curtain sider it may be necessary to tie backthe curtains. When making this decision you must be aware of all the risksinvolved – for example check that the curtains can be secured safely and ensurethere is no loose equipment present. You must check that the curtains can be restrained properly. If this cannot bedone then your employer should consider rerouting you to avoid exposed routesor consider cancelling that run until it is safe to complete Damage to curtains MUST be repaired immediately and certainly before thetrailer is put back into use and is a particular concern for XL trailers wherecurtains may be used for load restraint. Damage repairs are not solely to protectthe load but also to ensure the safety of other road users Any damage that occurs whilst en route must be assessed before proceedingfurther.

Straps and LashingsIn severe weather conditions you need to more vigilant whendriving a curtain sided trailer or a flat bed with a sheeted load.You will need to check the vehicle more regularly to ensurethere are no loose lashings etc that may break away duringthe severe weather conditions, causing danger to other roadusers.

Ensure all lashings are in good condition and secured to theload bearing part of the trailer structure.

Further informationHealth and Safety Executive (HSE)Driving for Work – managing work-related road safety.This guidance booklet provides useful checklists to help employers and driversunderstand what they need to do.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg382.pdf

Workplace transport webpagesThese webpages provide useful additional advice and information for drivers andtheir 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 andOperator Services Agencywww.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---overview-226.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 whileyou are driving. This is illegal - and loss of concentration creates an additionalhazard to you and other road users.

Photos supplied by freefotos.com and thinkstock.

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