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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
With hundreds of drivers stranded, thousands of cars damaged and millions of pounds of man-hours lost due to the recent snow, BusinessCar looks at the way in which fleet managers can better cope next time. Tristan Young investigates
Elstow points out that there is a lot of useful information about driving in adverse conditions in the Highway Code.
He continues: "Fleet managers will also issue instructions to do with the maintenance of the car, so they're clearly in control of these risks. But how does a driver do a risk assessment before a journey? Is it written down? For example, tell drivers where on the web they can get severe weather warnings. There should be a simple set of instructions for before they turn the key in the morning.
"Then there's grey fleet to think about; don't just give the advice to the company car drivers.
"You can also look at what vehicles you buy. For example, a rear-drive automatic is a recipe for not going anywhere in the snow. Look at what kit is placed in each car. Is there a torch? Perhaps you don't want to carry a shovel and spare warm clothes all year, but maybe the driver should add this in bad weather?"
Once a policy is correct then you don't just sit back, says Elstow.
"Beyond this, there's damage limitation. Fleet managers can construct a set of 'what if' questions they're likely to be asked by drivers.
"For example, what if someone calls to say they can't get their filler cap open because it's frozen, or they've slid down their steep drive, sideways, and their car's stuck. Having prepared answers will mean they don't look silly when these are asked. That's where organisations such as ours can help with information and training.
"Some larger fleets have action centres that spring into life in such circumstances," says Elstow. These centres can talk to drivers and give advice. It's something a fleet manager can introduce to the board - do you need an incident team?"
One final point to cover is instructions for when drivers have no option but to abandon their car.
"Drivers often get stuck not because they can't drive on the snow, but because someone else is stuck and either there's gridlock or a traffic jam. In those circumstances staff can do silly things such as abandon their car in the wrong place, which leads to small but avoidable dings," concludes Elstow.
Take it slow
Stopping distances are affected by icy conditions, so drivers need to be extra cautious. Encourage staff to allow extra time between appointments. This means they can avoid hurrying in hazardous driving conditions.
De-ice thoroughly
Ensure drivers leave plenty of time to de-ice their vehicle thoroughly before setting off. Also, clearing snow from cars after heavy precipitation can make de-icing easier the next time the vehicle is needed.
Emergency supplies
Employees should have adequate food supplies, clothing and blankets in their vehicle in case they are stranded or break down. Staff should carry de-icer and a scraper in their vehicle, too, as adverse weather can come on quickly.
Take a break
Make sure drivers are given enough time to fit frequent breaks into their journeys as the extra concentration that is required to drive in icy conditions can be more tiring than with normal journeys.
Source for driving advice: Masterlease
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Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
