6 Strategies for Keeping Your Drivers Safe During the Holiday Season
Every holiday season — November to mid-January — there’s one thing that’s a sure bet: more trucks, more cars, more gridlocked roads and highways.
According to AAA, the 2023 holiday season saw nearly 104 million people taking to the roads for their holiday getaways, causing roads and highways to be slow and unpredictable and travelers frustrated and stressed. Barring a holiday miracle, expect more of the same for the 2024 holiday season. The highest volume of vehicles will be on the road from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through January 1.
Holiday Season Is No Holiday for Truckers
For truck drivers, the people who make the holiday season possible, it can be a busy and challenging time. Shipping demands are higher, and millions of additional vehicles are on the roads and highways, increasing the chances of delays, accidents, fatigue, and road rage.
Effectively navigating the holiday season and ensuring smoother and safer travel from point A to B requires preparation, patience, and adaptability. Consider adopting the following strategies to make the roads and highways feel safer and saner throughout the holiday season.
1. Prepare for Winter Weather Conditions
Fall and winter weather can be unpredictable, often leading to dangerous conditions. Staying on top of weather conditions with weather apps and consulting the National Weather Service for forecasts along routes is crucial.
Ensure driver safety and comfort during a delay or breakdown by equipping trucks with an emergency kit of essentials such as:
- Blankets
- Warm clothing
- Flashlights
- Extra food and water
- Bag of sand or cat litter
- First aid kit
- Backup phone charger
- Portable power bank
Make sure trucks have winter tires and check them regularly for wear and proper inflation to prevent accidents in icy conditions. Read our guide on how to prep commercial tires for winter here.
To keep diesel from freezing, use anti-gel fuel additives to improve driver visibility with windshield washer fluid suited for low temperatures. Also keep a close eye on the fuel tank level. Topping it off will add more weight for better traction and prevent water condensation in the fuel lines that can cause:
- Engine misfires
- Engine starting difficulties
- Rough acceleration
2. Inspect the Truck
Routine maintenance checks are essential, but they are even more critical during the winter months. Before hitting the road, drivers should inspect their vehicle, paying particular attention to the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and tires. Make sure the heater and defroster are functioning properly, as they’re essential to driver visibility, comfort, and safety.
3. Plan Routes Carefully
Holiday traffic can add hours to a route. Drivers should monitor weather forecasts and consider alternative routes to avoid congested or dangerous areas. GPS navigation systems, weather apps, and traffic monitoring can help drivers stay informed and make necessary adjustments along their routes.
Scheduling deliveries during off-peak hours helps drivers avoid the heaviest traffic while working with dispatch to stagger driving time, making travel safer and smoother. Map backup routes should in case of accidents or closed roads, which are common in heavy traffic and winter conditions.
4. Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is always wise, but especially during the holiday season. Drivers should:
- Leave ample following distance
- Reduce their speed
- Keep a firm grip on the wheel
- Remain vigilant for sudden braking or erratic driving
Avoiding distractions and focusing on the road is key, so drivers should limit cell phone usage and set GPS and radio preferences before driving.
Heavy traffic, impatient drivers, and crowded highways increase the risk of accidents, so being prepared to react calmly and cautiously is essential to navigating unexpected challenges and maintaining safety.
5. Keep an Eye Out for Fatigue
Long hours and holiday schedules increase the chances of driver fatigue. Adequate sleep, food, and exercise is critical, as fatigue can impair reaction times and the judgment of even the most skilled drivers. Rest breaks are necessary to adhere to hours-of-service regulations and indispensable to ensuring driver safety, health, and alertness.
Drivers should avoid traveling overnight or in low-light conditions when visibility is reduced. Taking scheduled breaks, staying hydrated, and consuming nutritious snacks is a winning plan for maintaining energy and focus. Check out our winter driving tips for truckers here.
6. Be Extra Patient
No driver should continue their route during severe conditions. Rushing to get the job done is not worth the risk of rollovers, jackknives, or collisions. Slow and steady wins the race, making the holiday season safer and happier for all.
Want more tips for keeping your fleet protected 365 days of the year? Get our infographic to prepare for seasonal changes year-round.