Help Drivers Operate at Night with These Fleet Safety Tips

Driving at night is much more challenging than driving during the day, and for your fleet, the waning daylight hours of winter mean that more of your drivers will be on the road when it is dark.

It is crucial to plan ahead for this time of year, when accidents are likely to increase – and the difficult winter weather conditions make fleet safety that much more important. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can improve the on-the-road behavior of your drivers, so they remain focused, safe and productive while behind the wheel.

One of the best ways to do that involves a specific part of the vehicle: the headlights. Here’s why.

See and be seen on the road
William Van Tassel, manager of driver training operations for AAA, told Automotive Fleet that driving with limited visibility makes the ability to see and be seen vital for fleet safety.

“It is absolutely a good idea to turn headlights on anytime you’re driving to be seen,” he told the news source. “You’re about twice as visible to other drivers, which can really make a difference. Turn a vehicle’s headlights on as soon as you start the car and keep them on.”

Safety doesn’t just mean turning headlights on. In fact, using them properly is just as important. Automotive Fleet recommended driving slow enough to stop within the headlights’ range. Low beams are also better when driving in traffic or near other vehicles. Blinding drivers can be equally dangerous as driving without lights.

Adapt for changing weather
While fewer daylight hours certainly compound risk on the road, there is another danger for your fleet’s drivers: weather. Winter weather can further reduce visibility and make things more challenging.

To help improve safety, here are a few tips you can offer to your drivers:

1. Keep tires inflated
Tires tend to be a neglected part of vehicle maintenance. This is never a good idea. Instead, make sure each tire is properly inflated so your drivers have the best grip possible for winter weather.

2. Clean the vehicle
As snow builds up, it is a must that each vehicle be properly cleaned. Have drivers remove all snow from the roof and from the windows and lights. This way, they’ll be able to see out and other drivers can see their headlights.

3. Stay off the road when tired
Driving while tired can be a very serious problem for fleets. If at all possible, try to balance schedules and work with employees to ensure that everyone is well rested before hitting the road.

Use these tips to improve fleet management and help your drivers stay safe while driving at night.