While new COVID restrictions may mean fewer journeys being made, the run-up to Christmas still represents a busy time for the transport sector. Today’s post offers guidance for drivers still travelling during the festive period:
- If travelling long distances, take into consideration that the weather in one region may not be the same as in another. Plan for the whole length of your journey and take note of what the weather is like closer to the destination.
- Ensure to check for weather and traffic updated so you an allow more time to travel.
- While business drivers on delivery routes might have vehicle tracking enabled, it’s important for grey fleet and other business drivers to let someone know where they are going, and provide an estimated time of arrival during times of hazardous weather.
- Again, some business drivers may not fuel their vehicles themselves, but for those that do it’s worth ensuring there is enough fuel to complete a journey as familiar garages may close early around Christmas.
- As with any time of year, ensure there are no loose parcels that could turn into missiles in the event of having to brake in an emergency.
- Make sure you take regular rest breaks but avoid leaving valuable gifts on show by locking them away out of sight in the boot.
- Don’t drive if you’re tired. If you begin to feel tired on your journey, then take a rest break. A coffee and a 20-minute stop are the bare minimum needed to help you stay alert. In any case, journeys should be planned to incorporate rest breaks every 2 hours.
- For those who are planning on drinking alcohol, make sure you are not over the limit the morning after – use an online calculator for an indication of when it may be safe to drive, but remember that it’s always best to have no alcohol if you plan on driving.
Contact your IAM RoadSmart account manager for free winter driving and driver fatigue tips posters, or for any updates to your driver policy. If you’re not yet a customer, Contact Us today to see how our innovative fleet risk management solutions can help you to create a safer, more efficient fleet no matter what the season.
IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman adds: “Careful planning and preparation can ensure your Christmas drive home is a safe and smooth one. So long as you give yourself extra time at this busy time of year, your journey home doesn’t need to be as arduous.”
