In our business there seems to be a PLETHORA of information, contacts, resources, and people ready willing and able to help, and give advice.

Well we are into November, and for the first time in a few years in TORONTO it did not snow on HALLOWEEN. Rest assured it will snow during November. I make the prediction based on my own experience, nothing to do with consulting the FARMER'S ALMANAC. I'm just going out on a limb here. In order to get ready what should we be doing.
1) Reminding drivers every chance we can about THE HAZARDS OF WINTER DRIVING
2) Any Handouts we can give them to read, Lets do it. If they don't read it, we cannot do much about that. At least we have tried. You would be amazed however, who will actually read that little booklet, 10 line note, etc.
3) While preparing for the Annual Safety Meeting (since most companies have them this time of year) be sure to include a video/presentation of WINTER HAZARDS, and driving in WINTER.
4) Make sure everyone is onboard. THIS MEANS DISPATCHERS, AS WELL AS SALES. Schedules have to be adjusted and changed frequently.
5) There are and always will be customers that demand the impossible, are unreasonable and just do not want to work with the carriers. They demand everything. A little education goes a long way. If not (DON'T BE AFRAID TO FIRE THE CUSTOMER) Better than having an accident
6) Include something with their paycheques, to illustrate, winter driving. Put posters up in the driver's room, put posters up in the dispatch area.

Personally I cannot stress how important it is to take steps in advance, if you wait much longer it will be too late! Even if you prevent one accident, then as Safety Managers, Responsible Transportation Managers, Owners, Dispatchers, and so on we have done our job. We all know the statistics. We all know that more accidents occur in July and August then in Winter. WAIT ! I'm not making this up, every Insurance company will tell you the same thing. People are more relaxed, they are on vacation, they have the family in the car, they have to stop more frequently for the rest area breaks, the pets are jumping around in the car,in July and August, then in the Winter. People are usually more attentive in Winter.

Please for everyone on the road, WHETHER A TRUCK DRIVER, BUS DRIVER, COURIER, OR JUST PLAIN PASSENGER CAR DRIVER, BE PREPARED AND ALLOW THAT EXTRA SPACE AND EXTRA TIME. PLAN THE ROUTE, AND LISTEN FOR TRAFFIC UPDATES. BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL AROUND SCHOOL BUSES, ESPECIALLY ON RURAL ROUTES, AND PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR THE OTHER GUY/GAL PERSON ON THE ROAD!