Winter road safety tips for minibus operators

Winter road safety tips for minibus operators

As the colder weather moves in, many minibuses will be being used out in local communities providing vital help to those in need.

Mile for mile, minibuses are statistically less likely to be involved in an accident than cars, however they are often carrying young, elderly, or vulnerable passengers, so there’s a great need to minimise any risk – especially when the roads are wet, icy or foggy.

The following information may serve as a useful reminder to minibus operators this winter.

Things to know for safe journey planning

Where possible, plan your route so you can stay on main roads as much as possible and away from potential hazards. Sat Navs are getting smarter, but may not always know the road conditions ahead, so use your judgement.

1. Check weather forecasts and local travel news before setting off and, if need be, allow extra time for delays.

2. Stop/start conditions in winter can drain fuel quicker than normal driving, so keep enough fuel in the tank.

3. Keep an ice scraper and de–icer in the vehicle so you can keep the windscreen and windows clear while out and about. Also, top-up the windscreen washer fluid to keep the windscreen clean.

4. Clear any snow and ice off the windscreen, windows, and mirrors before driving off. Ensure that lights and reflectors are clean and working, and clear snow off the vehicle roof if it’s safe for you to do so, to avoid snow sliding down the windscreen while driving.

5. Make sure that drivers know how to use the vehicle’s fog lights.

6. Keep an eye on tyre tread depth and air pressure in line with manufacturers recommendations.

7. If freezing temperatures are expected overnight, keep windscreen wipers switched off in park position. If the blades are set to ‘automatic’ they may try to move on ignition and could be damaged if frozen to the windscreen.

8. Battery problems are the most common cause of winter breakdowns, so keeping vehicles in good condition with regular maintenance should help prevent this.

9. A minibus is longer, wider, larger, and heavier and handles very differently than a car, which makes driver training essential to safety. Minibus operators should ensure that all drivers receive induction training and are regularly re-assessed (and re-trained as required), to maintain driving standards.

10. Observe the essentials of winter driving - slow down, leave more distance between you and the vehicle in front and ease off the accelerator if steering starts to feel loose.

11. Always follow the number one rule - ‘Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.’

Minibus insurance

Every motor vehicle using the public highway must be insured with at least third-party cover. Contact the transportation team at Ascend to discuss your motor fleet options at 07841 020435

Some local authorities or community transport groups have access to a fleet insurance scheme, otherwise operators must arrange their own insurance and ensure that it applies to all the people using the minibus and all the activities and journeys that are conducted.

It’s also worth making sure that there’s adequate breakdown cover in place, ideally with onward transportation for all passengers - to avoid a stranded minibus with vulnerable occupants being left at the roadside.

If you need to claim on your insurance

If you’re involved in an incident where you need to claim on your motor insurance, it’s important that you report it early, ideally from the roadside, but always the same day.

Reporting it early can reduce the time dealing with the claim and can help you to receive any claim payments faster, as well as helping to control the cost of future insurance premiums.

This article has been provided by QBE insurance company. If you want anymore useful information please read their Minibus Operator Handbook HERE

Go to the Ascend Transport page to see how we can assist you HERE

Read more of our blogs:

Planning ahead for the winter cold

What is fleet insurance

Have any questions? please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team

Simon.horton@ascendbrokingold.co.uk  |  Office: 01245 449068  |  Mobile: 07841 020435