When you’re behind the wheel of snow equipment, protect yourself and others by practicing these behaviors

Driver Safety starts with you! When you are driving in adverse weather, it is even more important that you pay close attention to your surroundings, as well as how you prepare yourself and operate vehicles. When you’re behind the wheel, protect yourself and others by practicing these behaviors.

Preparing your vehicle

• Perform a proper vehicle inspection per your organization’s procedures, or any federal, provincial, state, or local requirement.
• Make sure windows are clear and free from snow and ice.
• Make sure all attachments and materials, tools, or supplies are secure.
• Set your seat to the proper position and install your seatbelt.
• Adjust mirrors properly for the best visibility and lowest amount of blind spots.

Practice defensive driving

• Do not use electronic devices while operating vehicles, including cell phones, tablets or computers, and cameras.
• Leave the proper following distance, and adjust based on speeds and weather/road conditions.
• Observe surroundings by using your mirrors frequently, as well as your front, side, and rear windows.
• Adjust speeds for road conditions, traffic, snowplow attachments, and vehicle weight.
• Reverse slowly and use mirrors, windows, and rear-view cameras if available.
• Do not speed, tailgate, or become aggressive while driving.

Obey all traffic signals and signage

• Observe all traffic lights and signage, and before proceeding through any intersection or from a stop, observe cross traffic and wait until it is safe to begin driving.
• Signage and signals may become difficult to see if weather conditions are poor, so proceed with caution.
• If conditions and visibility or poor, or you are using a trailer or backing near obstacles, use a spotter or a helper to prevent damage or possible injuries.

Make sure you are always adhering to the rules of the road and know that it is your responsibility to be safe on the road and prepare accordingly.

Driver safety is just one of many safety topics covered in SIMA’s Safety 1^st role-focused training for sidewalk and plowing crew members – learn more here