29 October 2025
Navigating Winter Roads: Essential Safety Tips for Construction Fleets
Winter can transform a simple act of driving into a calculation of grip, visibility and sometimes sheer luck. For construction fleets in the UK, winter weather presents significant challenges, including icy roads, reduced visibility and harsh conditions, which increase the risk of accidents and operational disruptions.
To maintain fleet safety and ensure continuity of operations during these challenging months, businesses are encouraged to proactively prepare by implementing winter driving protocols.
Understanding the winter hazards for fleets
Factors such as snow, ice, reduced visibility and unpredictable weather can significantly increase accident risks if drivers are not prepared. For construction businesses in the UK, challenges can arise from shorter daylight hours, glare from headlights and site access issues on muddy or uneven terrain. Tiredness is another concern, as dark conditions, poor weather and extended hours can contribute to fatigue-related risks.
Essential winter driving guidelines
Prepare your vehicle
- Equip vehicles with winter tyres to improve traction. Ensure the tread depth meets the recommended minimum of 3 mm for winter driving.
- Service vehicles ahead of winter to check brakes, wipers, heating systems, antifreeze levels and defrost systems.
- Ensure all fluids, including screen wash and antifreeze, are suitable for low temperatures.
- Keep windshield wipers and defrosters in top condition for clear visibility.
Plan ahead
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.
- Allow extra travel time to reach destinations safely.
- Keep fuel tanks at least half full to avoid freezing fuel lines.
- Plan routes to avoid steep hills, flood-prone areas and poorly lit roads. Favour well-gritted main roads wherever possible.
Drive cautiously
- Be aware of black ice and sudden snowfall, which can create hazards quickly.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance on icy or snowy roads.
- Avoid sudden movements such as sharp turns or hard braking.
- Use low beams in foggy conditions to improve visibility.
Stay informed
- Keep an emergency kit in vehicles, including blankets, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, plenty of drinking water, a high-visibility vest, de-icer and a first aid kit.
- Carry a fully charged mobile phone and a car charger.
- Familiarise yourself with your vehicle's safety features and how to use them.
Know what to do in an emergency
- If stranded, stay with your vehicle and call for help.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Conserve fuel by running the engine only as needed for warmth.
Addressing construction-specific risks
"For drivers, gaining access to construction sites during winter can be particularly challenging. They may encounter muddy or uneven terrain, requiring extra caution to avoid accidents," says Mike Lincoln, partner, Construction UK at Gallagher. "Additionally, the presence of pedestrians and banksmen on-site necessitates heightened awareness."
Tiredness has also emerged as a critical concern, particularly in winter. Dark conditions, adverse weather and extended working hours significantly contribute to fatigue-related risks. Encouraging the inclusion of fatigue management guidance in driver handbooks helps address this issue.
Promoting regular breaks, especially during longer shifts, helps drivers stay alert and reduces the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.
Leverage technology for safety
Advanced technologies, such as telematics, GPS tracking and vehicle monitoring systems, can help improve driver safety. These tools provide valuable data for route planning, helping drivers avoid hazardous conditions, such as steep hills or flood-prone areas. Telematics also monitors driver behaviour, encouraging safer practices by identifying issues like hard braking or speeding.
Cameras installed in vehicles can further enhance safety by promoting better driving habits. Footage is typically reviewed only when alerts are triggered, but the increased awareness of being monitored often leads to immediate improvements in driving behaviour.
Over time, the data collected through telematics and cameras can help businesses analyse near misses, identify patterns and implement proactive safety measures. Insurers often support these initiatives by offering risk management allowances, making it easier for businesses to adopt these technologies.
Manage insurance risks and claims
As Mike Lincoln highlights, "the winter months see a spike in insurance claims, particularly in low-speed manoeuvring incidents, which account for 50% of claim frequency. These types of claims contribute to approximately 30% of the overall claims costs."
To minimise claims and maintain stable premiums, businesses can benefit from implementing practices such as:
- Reporting claims within 24 hours to facilitate third-party capture.
- Conducting regular reviews of claims and near misses to identify trends and address issues proactively.
- Investing in driver training and seasonal refresher courses to reinforce safe driving habits.
By demonstrating a commitment to best practices and well-documented safety measures, businesses can maintain consistent claim frequencies and avoid premium increases.
Prepare for adverse weather
Implementing a safety culture within the business is essential. Encouraging senior management to participate and lead safety efforts helps drive its success. Regular toolbox talks, eyesight checks and driver training sessions can reinforce the importance of safe driving practices. Promoting regular breaks, especially during longer shifts, helps drivers stay alert and reduces the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.
Winter risk planning starts with your broker
At Gallagher, we understand the unique challenges faced by construction businesses and their motor fleets. Our extensive experience providing fleet insurance services to over 40 construction companies has helped us establish strong relationships with all major motor insurance markets.
Our team works closely with clients to ensure their insurance coverage evolves in line with their operational needs and future goals. Whether you are managing today's fleet or planning for tomorrow's, Gallagher Specialty can help you choose a suitable insurer and coverage, to protect your assets and support your growth.
For more information on winter driving safety or to discuss your insurance needs, contact us.
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Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 119013.