Winter safety starts before a truck leaves the yard. For Irish hauliers, preparation, realistic schedules and clear communication help manage the risks from ice, heavy rain, strong winds and reduced visibility.

1. Check the weather along the entire route. Review Met Éireann warnings, road conditions and ferry updates before departure. Set clear arrangements for delaying or suspending journeys when conditions become unsafe. The RSA advises considering whether journeys should be postponed during extreme weather.
2. Give trucks and trailers a winter maintenance check. Have the workshop assess brakes, batteries, coolant protection, air systems and demisting equipment. Continue daily walkaround checks, record defects and resolve safety-critical faults before departure. Regular servicing and vehicle checks are central to RSA winter guidance.
3. Pay close attention to tyres. Check truck and trailer tyres for damage, uneven wear, adequate tread and correct pressures for the load and manufacturer’s recommendations. Include inner tyres on twin-wheel assemblies in inspections.
4. Keep visibility clear. Clean lights, mirrors, windows and camera lenses; replace worn wipers and use suitable winter screenwash. Arrange safe removal of accumulated snow or ice from vehicles and trailers—drivers should never improvise by climbing onto a slippery roof.
5. Reduce speed and increase following distance. Leave more room to stop and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Slow down before bends, junctions and downhill sections, allowing for patches of ice even where the road appears clear.
6. Treat strong winds as a serious operational risk. Assess the vehicle, load and route before dispatching high-sided vehicles, especially empty or lightly laden trailers. Review exposed bridges and coastal sections, follow restrictions and stop somewhere safe if stability becomes a concern.
7. Avoid flooded roads and unsuitable diversions. Do not enter floodwater where depth or road condition is uncertain. Check diversions for HGV suitability rather than following satnav instructions onto narrow or untreated roads. Government winter guidance specifically warns against relying entirely on navigation systems.
8. Build extra time into delivery and ferry schedules. Allow for slower journeys, diversions and delays without putting drivers under pressure to recover lost time. Keep customers informed, plan safe stopping places and protect drivers’ breaks and rest.
9. Prepare drivers for unexpected delays. Carry warm clothing, waterproofs, suitable footwear, a torch, high-visibility clothing, food, drinking water and a charged phone with a charging lead. Maintain sufficient fuel for disruption and keep breakdown contacts accessible.
10. Make yards and delivery sites safe too. Treat icy pedestrian routes, steps and loading areas, provide adequate lighting and keep access clear. Drivers should use three points of contact when entering or leaving the cab and check their footing before stepping down. Winter risks extend beyond driving to slips and falls around the vehicle.