As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, new figures have highlighted the additional risks facing fleet drivers during the winter months.
Analysis of commercial motor insurance claims between 2021 and 2025 found an average 19% increase in collisions reported between August and November, and in 2025, that figure rose to 22%.
For fleet operators, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of being prepared.
The reality is that as we head into Winter, drivers have to contend with shorter daylight hours, poor visibility, wet roads and icy conditions, all of which can all make driving more challenging.
And when collisions happen, the consequences can extend well beyond vehicle repairs, affecting driver safety, productivity and operational costs.
Vehicle maintenance is an obvious starting point for reducing risk, with regular checks of tyres, lights, wipers and fluid levels becoming particularly important during winter.
Drivers should also be encouraged to allow additional journey time, adapt their driving to the conditions and understand what to do if an incident occurs.
But preparation shouldn’t stop with the vehicles themselves…
Regular driving licence checks, clear driver policies and ongoing communication are all important elements of an effective fleet risk management strategy.
Ensuring drivers remain eligible to drive and are aware of their responsibilities helps businesses maintain compliance throughout the year, which we help fleets do through Compliance Monitor and Licence Monitor, as well as through our Winter Driving eLearning module.
While winter weather is beyond anyone’s control, taking a proactive approach to driver safety and compliance can help fleets minimise avoidable risks and disruption.
