Winter Driving Habits Policy

PURPOSE

Commitments to health, safety and the protection of our employees is an integral part of what has built KBD Transportation.  The protection of our employees from injury is a major continuing objective.

SCOPE

All professional drivers know that winter conditions bring a lot of special challenges and potential danger.  Unfortunately, each winter many drivers find themselves involved in accidents that could have been prevented had safe habits been in place. 

In Winter conditions, all employees will:

  • Clear off windows, mirrors, clearance lights and tail lights each time they stop to increase visibility.  YOU NEED TO SEE AND BE SEEN!
  • Immediately start to reduce speed and prepare to stop as soon as a problem is spotted, taking into account time/distance needed to do so.
  • Anticipate and notice changing conditions; road/weather conditions can change very rapidly.
  • Reduce speed according to conditions; signal early, merge slowly and carefully.
  • Maintain a safe following distance, allowing a significant increase in distance for wet, snowy or icy conditions.
  • Minimize distractions such as CB radio, cell phones, radios, etc in inclement weather.
  • Not continue to drive when it is unsafe to do so; when necessary, find the nearest safe place to park until conditions change.
  • Ensure that pre-trip inspections are completed, targeting defrosters, wipers, low air warnings, condition of brakes and tire inflation.
  • Prepare for winter by stocking their trucks with Safe-T-Brake, fuel conditioner, a flashlight, extra windshield washer fluid for sub-freezing temperatures, sand/salt/kitty litter, warm clothing and boots, extra blankets and high energy snack foods.

The Management of KBD Transportation will:

  • Ensure that road safety is included in Driver Meetings.
  • Challenge unsafe attitudes and behaviours, encouraging everyone to drive safely.

DEFINITIONS

Inclement
Stormy, rainy, windy, severe