Especially in the Northeastern states, winter driving can be treacherous (to say the least) for all drivers on the roads.  Interestingly enough, it has been my experience, in the transportation industry, that there are actually fewer accidents during the winter months than there are during the summer months.

"Why?" you may ask.  All year long, we as safety professionals, enforce safe driving practices with our employees.  Some organizations use the Smith System, while others employ their own techniques and procedures.  No matter what system is used, truck drivers presume that there will be less opportunities for "mistakes" when road conditions are optimal.  Because they spend their work week in a tractor, they fall into a comfort zone.  They start following a little closer and driving a little faster.  The result can be a lack of attention to developing situations around them.  This is where accidents occur.

During the snowy winter months, these truck drivers are on red alert.  This is the time when they fully employ safety methods.

Over the next few months, it is still necessary to stress the importance of creating space around your vehicle, maintaining a safe following distance, and always surveying the traffic flow ahead.

For more information or assistance with transportation safety training, please contact Equinox Consulting's transportation safety consultants at:  717-386-1242.

www.equinoxsafetyconsulting.com

 

I am sitting in Buffalo, NY waiting for the "storm" to come from the midwest. So I understand difficult driving. But there is just as much difficulty in Arizona with the snowbirds making right hand turns from the left turn lane; hydroplaning on the freeways because there is no place for the water to run off to when it rains, and everybody drives like bats from ... you know where ....

The real issue in any city or state is when weather conditions are different than what they are normally. The majority of drivers tend to "over-adjust" to the environment by either driving too slow when the weather really doesn't merit it--which is sometimes more unsafe than speeding!

Actually, each time the weather changes this has to be dealt with. After a few snow or rainfalls drivers become familiar with the conditions. Then, when the weather changes back, there is a false sense of security detracting from normal concentration.

The bottom line is, you're never 100% safe on the road. You just need to be aware of your surroundings at all times and anticipate the actions of other drivers by creating space around your vehicle and leaving yourself an out.