Top Tips for Driving your HGV in the Winter


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Driving an HGV requires special skills and qualifications.  In the UK, HGV drivers often face their busiest period of work during the winter months as the festive season approaches, and more recently, Black Friday sales in late November, Driving on the roads in the UK can be fraught, especially during busy times, and driving an HGV is often more nerve-wracking as the danger of mishaps is even greater with such a large and heavy vehicle.

Not only do HGV drivers have to cope with freezing weather conditions but there are also more hazards on the road caused by the weather including ice, rain, sleet, and snow.  HGV drivers and haulage companies need to ensure that they are prepared for, and equipped to deal with, winter driving conditions. 

Whilst it is impossible to control the weather or be aware of all weather changes as you drive, drivers should be mindful of actions they can take to minimise the risk to themselves, their HGV, and other road users.

Here are some top tips for those driving HGVs in the winter:

  1. Prepare Yourself

Make sure you are aware of what you will need in the colder conditions.  Wear something warm, and layer up so that you can adjust your outfit depending on how cold it is.  It is important for drivers to stay warm and fully concentrate, so be prepared.

Also, remember, that driving in snow and sleet conditions requires additional care so you may need to change how you normally drive and be extra vigilant.

  1. Prepare Your HGV

Make sure you conduct your daily walkaround check thoroughly and record anything of concern. 

In the winter you should take extra care to check the following:

  • Windscreen wipers should be in full working order
  • Heaters are important in cold weather
  • Defrosters are essential in winter so make sure they are in full working order
  • Lights will help you manoeuvre yourself during the dark evenings so double check they all work before you set off on your journey
  • Tyres should be checked thoroughly for balance, pressure, and wear and tear
  • Fluid levels should be sufficiently topped up
  • Exhausts should be working well
  • Brakes need to be checked to make sure they are not frozen or damaged
  • If there is any snow on the HGV or any trailer attached, then you should remove it before you set off on your journey

  1. Check the Weather

It might sound obvious, but it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you set off.  Often, the weather can change quickly and drastically.  To ensure you are prepared you should know what the forecast is for the day(s) of travel and the areas you will be driving through.  The metoffice.gov.uk provide regular and accurate weather updates.

You may need to adjust your journey.  For example, if there are some smaller roads you know will not be gritted then try and avoid them. Similarly, gritters do not always include bridges so sometimes it is a good idea to avoid them or take extra care when driving on them.

Remember, it is not just snow and sleet that can cause difficult driving conditions.  Thick fog and persistent rain can also be hazardous so take extra care and if you have a fall in visibility then try and stop somewhere safe.

  1. Have Safety Policies in Place

Haulage companies should have health and safety policies and rules relating to breaks that drivers should be made aware of.  It is important that drivers comply with any weather-related guidelines within the policies. 

Whilst it is important for deliveries to made be on time, HGV drivers and haulage companies should prioritise safety. If you feel you cannot drive safely, then stop somewhere safe and let your boss know.  You may only have to wait a short while until the weather improves.

  1. Keep a Survival Kit

It sounds obvious, but it is always a good idea to make sure you have a survival kit in the vehicle.  This is different to a first aid kit.

A winter survival kit will include things like:

  • de-icer
  • ice scraper
  • a flashlight
  • a warm blanket
  • jump leads
  • water
  • snacks
  • a high visibility jacket
  • emergency phone numbers
  • warm clothing/layers
  • road map
  • phone charger or power bank

  1. Drive With Care

One of the most important elements of staying safe during winter is to make sure you drive carefully. You should drive extra carefully when the conditions are bad, and this includes driving slower for safety reasons.

Factor the increased timings into your schedule and when driving make sure you leave extra space between your HGV and the next vehicle.  If you do not feel confident driving in poor weather conditions, then be sure to have a discussion with your manager to see if there is anything they can help you with.

Remember these rules:

  • Black ice can sometimes be invisible or difficult to see
  • Plan and prepare for changing your route if you need to
  • Drive carefully and smoothly (no sharp breaks or acceleration)
  • Slow down and reduce your speed
  • Increase your distance from other vehicles on the road
  • Be careful in high winds as they can affect HGVs differently to cars
  • In flooded areas assess the depth of any flooding before driving through it
  • Make safety your priority!

HGV Insurance

Heavy goods vehicles need comprehensive insurance to ensure the vehicle is protected. Depending on the business you work for, you may need a non-standard and more bespoke insurance policy.

To ensure your HGV insurance covers you for all eventualities then please contact ISIS Insurance today and our expert advisers will be on hand to advise you further.

ISIS Insurance offers a wide variety of insurance options and quotes that cover everything a HGV might need when it comes to insurance, from skip lorries to refrigerated vehicles.