Winter survival guide to the rescue

As winter weather arrives across many regions, commercial drivers face increased risks from cold temperatures, snow, ice, and hazardous road conditions. Proper preparation and knowledge of winter safety protocols can mean the difference between a safe journey and a dangerous emergency situation. Sky Transport Solutions emphasizes three critical actions drivers should take to remain safe during harsh winter conditions: packing a comprehensive winter survival kit, knowing how to respond calmly when stranded, and exercising caution when working around vehicles and loading docks.

Winter Safety Essentials

Season: Winter 2025-2026

Focus Areas: Vehicle preparation, emergency response, and worksite safety

Priority: Driver safety and winter hazard awareness

1. Pack a Winter Survival Kit

Every commercial driver should maintain a well-stocked winter survival kit in their vehicle. While drivers should already carry standard emergency items such as warning devices, jump boxes, tool kits, and first-aid supplies, winter conditions require additional specialized equipment.

Essential Winter Survival Kit Items

Snow brush and scraper: Essential for clearing windows, mirrors, and lights for visibility
Shovel: Critical for digging out of snow drifts or clearing paths around the vehicle
Traction devices: Chains, tire socks, or other traction aids for icy conditions
Brightly colored cloth: For signaling help or marking the vehicle's location
Blankets or sleeping bag: Vital for maintaining body heat if stranded for extended periods
Extra food and water: Non-perishable items and water to sustain drivers during emergencies
Extra medications: If drivers require prescription medications, maintain an emergency supply
Proper outerwear: Extra coat, gloves, hat, and boots to protect against hypothermia

These items complement the standard emergency equipment that should already be in every commercial vehicle. The combination of standard and winter-specific items creates a comprehensive safety system that can help drivers survive and signal for help during winter emergencies.

2. Stay Calm When Stranded

Even with proper preparation, drivers may find themselves stranded in cold weather conditions. Panic can lead to poor decision-making and dangerous actions. Drivers must understand the proper procedures for handling winter emergencies to maximize their safety and chances of rescue.

Critical Actions When Stranded

Stay in the vehicle: The vehicle provides shelter from wind and cold. Leaving the vehicle to seek help on foot can be extremely dangerous and increases the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, or becoming lost.
Dial 911 immediately: Contact emergency services as soon as possible to summon professional help. Provide your exact location, vehicle description, and current conditions.
Run the engine strategically: Operate the vehicle's engine with the heater on for approximately 10 minutes every hour to maintain warmth. This conserves fuel while preventing hypothermia.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: When running the engine, slightly open a window to allow fresh air circulation. Additionally, ensure the vehicle's exhaust pipe remains clear and free of snow buildup, as blocked exhaust can cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.

Carbon Monoxide Warning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk when stranded in winter conditions. To prevent this deadly hazard:

Always open a window slightly when running the engine
Regularly check that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ice
Never run the engine continuously for extended periods
Be aware of symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion
If symptoms occur, immediately turn off the engine and open all windows

3. Watch for Hazards Working Around Vehicles and Loading Docks

Winter hazards extend beyond road conditions. Slip, trip, and fall accidents are just as likely to occur outside the vehicle as they are on the road during snow and cold weather. Drivers must exercise extra caution when working around trucks, trailers, equipment, and loading docks during winter conditions.

Winter Worksite Safety Practices

Employ the 3-point contact rule: Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when mounting or dismounting from trucks, trailers, equipment, loading docks, and ladders. This provides maximum stability on slippery surfaces.
Use handrails when available: Always grasp handrails when ascending or descending stairs, ramps, or ladders. Handrails provide crucial support and balance on icy or wet surfaces.
Walk like a penguin for balance: Adopt a penguin-like walking style with arms slightly outstretched for balance, feet pointed slightly to the sides, and small, careful strides. This technique lowers the center of gravity and improves stability on slippery surfaces.
Avoid blocking vision when carrying objects: Never carry items that obstruct your view of the walking surface. Use both hands for balance when possible, or make multiple trips with smaller loads.
Watch for the last step or surface height changes: Be particularly cautious of the final step on stairs or changes in surface elevation, as these areas are common locations for slips and falls.
Inspect equipment before using: Before climbing ladders or using railings and steps, visually inspect them for damage, ice buildup, or other hazards that could cause accidents.
Check for slippery surfaces: Test steps and walking surfaces for slipperiness before committing your full weight. Look for ice, snow, or wet conditions that could cause falls.
Walk around obstructions: Never step over obstacles, especially in winter conditions. Always walk around obstructions to maintain clear footing and visibility.

The Importance of Winter Preparedness

Winter weather presents unique challenges for commercial drivers that require specialized preparation and knowledge. The combination of cold temperatures, reduced visibility, icy surfaces, and potential equipment failures creates a dangerous environment that demands proactive safety measures.

By following these three fundamental safety actions—maintaining a comprehensive winter survival kit, understanding proper procedures when stranded, and exercising caution around vehicles and loading docks—drivers can significantly reduce their risk of injury or death during winter operations.

Key Takeaway from Sky Transport Solutions

Winter weather safety requires a three-pronged approach: preparation, emergency response knowledge, and worksite awareness. Drivers who pack proper winter survival equipment, understand how to respond when stranded, and exercise caution around vehicles and loading docks are far more likely to complete their routes safely.

Key to remember: The best defense against winter hazards is proactive preparation. Ensure all drivers have access to comprehensive winter survival kits, receive training on emergency procedures, and understand the importance of cautious movement around vehicles and worksites during cold weather conditions.

Training and Communication

Effective winter safety requires more than just providing equipment. Employers should conduct regular training sessions that cover winter survival procedures, emergency response protocols, and worksite safety practices. Drivers should be reminded of these critical safety measures before winter weather arrives and periodically throughout the season.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a critical role in ensuring driver safety during winter conditions. Beyond providing equipment and training, employers should:

Maintain vehicle readiness: Ensure all vehicles are properly maintained and equipped for winter conditions, including functioning heaters, defrosters, and emergency equipment
Monitor weather conditions: Track weather forecasts and road conditions to make informed decisions about route modifications or delays
Establish communication protocols: Implement regular check-in procedures so drivers can report their status and request assistance if needed
Provide support resources: Make emergency contact information, roadside assistance numbers, and dispatch contacts readily available to all drivers
Review and update policies: Regularly review winter safety policies and update them based on lessons learned and changing conditions

How Sky Transport Solutions Can Help

At Sky Transport Solutions, we understand that winter safety requires comprehensive preparation and ongoing vigilance. Our team can help employers:

Develop comprehensive winter safety policies and procedures
Create winter survival kit checklists and procurement guides
Design and deliver winter safety training programs for drivers
Establish emergency response protocols and communication systems
Conduct winter safety audits and inspections
Review and update existing safety programs for winter conditions
Provide guidance on vehicle maintenance for winter operations
Develop worksite safety procedures for loading docks and facilities
Create weather monitoring and route planning procedures
Establish driver check-in and emergency communication protocols

Don't wait until winter weather arrives to prepare. Contact Sky Transport Solutions today to ensure your drivers are equipped with the knowledge, equipment, and procedures needed to stay safe during harsh winter conditions.

Sky Transport Solutions provides comprehensive safety and compliance support for transportation employers nationwide. Stay informed about critical safety developments that impact your operations and protect your drivers.