Copyright © 2009 The Hartford, All Rights Reserved Winter Driving Fleet Conference

Pre-Trip Inspection Windows Heater/defroster Wipers/washers Mirrors Headlights Fuel levels Tires/chains Sand/shovel

Decrease Speed Reduced traction Posted speed may be too fast Don’t go with the flow Allow extra time for trips Watch for squeeze plays Snow banks create blind areas Do not use Cruise Control

Increase Following Distance Space cushion rule –3 seconds + Smooth operation –Accelerate gradually –Avoid sudden braking ABS - Antilock Brake Systems

Electronic Stability Control Reduce Single Vehicle Crashes by more than 40% Reduces the risk of fatal single-vehicle rollovers by over 75% Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Communicate Seeing and Being Seen: Headlights Running lights Directional signals 4 way flashers

Preventing a Jackknife Brake before a turn, not in it Apply power smoothly to drive axle Smooth gear shifts Smooth clutch engagements Decelerate slowly Avoid sudden braking

Summary Pre-Trip Inspection Decrease Speed – SLOW DOWN Increase Following Distance Communicate Prevent a Jackknife