Preventing Single Vehicle Accidents
Winter driving presents unique challenges that every driver needs to navigate safely. As temperatures drop and snow blankets the roads, the risks of accidents increase significantly—especially for those who may overlook essential safety precautions. A single-vehicle accident can occur in the blink of an eye, leaving drivers reeling from the consequences. To ensure a safe journey this winter, it's crucial to be informed and prepared. In this blog post, we'll cover key safety tips that will help you stay focused, maintain control of your vehicle, and arrive at your destination without incident. Let's gear up for the season ahead and prioritize safe driving practices!
In this issue:
- Are you driving with "Tunnel Vision" this winter?
- Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminar!
Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.
A single-vehicle accident refers to any incident that involves only one vehicle. This may involve going off the road and colliding with a tree, rolling over, or sustaining damage from animals or debris on the road. Factors like adverse weather conditions, limited visibility, and distracted driving can all play a role in these accidents, so drivers must stay focused when behind the wheel. While technology has introduced advancements that can enhance safety, it can also contribute to distractions while driving.
Now is an excellent opportunity to remind your drivers of the following safety tips:
Prepare for your trip before you turn the key. Several factors can hinder your journey to your destination, so taking the time to prepare thoughtfully can help ensure a safe trip.
Check the weather report. Be aware that weather conditions can vary when traveling across county or state lines. Prepare for possible rain, snow, or other elements impacting your driving.
Start safely. Get to know the vehicle’s controls and make any necessary adjustments, such as seat position, mirrors, and steering wheel placement. Always ensure your seat belt is securely fastened while driving.
Allow more time to travel. This will help diminish your inclination to speed when faced with unexpected situations.
Turn your headlights on. This improves your visibility and ensures that others can see you clearly.
Stay focused to avoid distractions. Distracted driving affects your reaction time. It’s important to stay attentive to the road, paying attention to both what’s ahead and what’s in your mirrors.
Prepare for anticipated distractions. This encompasses expenses such as tolls, mealtimes, or the necessity of grabbing sunglasses. It’s best to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while driving whenever you can.
Monitor your surroundings. While driving, stay alert to lane changes, traffic signs and signals, curves, construction zones, and pedestrians. Noticing a situation early on gives you extra time to respond if needed.
Turn off your cell phone. Using a non-hands-free cell phone while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) violates federal regulations. Even if the phone is merely sitting on the passenger seat, its sounds and vibrations can easily divert the driver’s focus.
On average, when texting, your eyes are off the road for about five seconds. At a speed of 55 mph, this is comparable to driving the distance of a football field without being able to see.
Take a break. If you’re sleepy or have an urgent task, find a safe spot away from traffic to pull over.
Monitor conditions to reduce the risk of losing control. A careful driver always monitors road conditions and is prepared to make adjustments as needed. Understanding how to manage your vehicle in different circumstances minimizes the likelihood of getting into an accident.
Note how road materials affect traction. Asphalt can be more slippery than concrete or gravel due to its petroleum content, especially when wet from rain or snow.
Be especially careful on sharp curves and steep inclines. These circumstances can complicate vehicle control. Additionally, it’s important to stay cautious of the hazards presented by soft shoulders and potholes.
Slow down. Exceeding the posted speed limit raises the chances of losing control of the vehicle, complicates recovery efforts, and diminishes crucial reaction time.
Beware of standing water and wet leaves. Keeping a moderate speed is crucial in these conditions because it helps prevent sudden braking and skidding.
Lastly... Get plenty of sleep.
Are you driving with “Tunnel Vision” this winter?
Tunnel vision happens when a driver only clears a small patch of ice or snow from their windshield, creating a limited view through a tiny hole. This practice drastically narrows a driver’s field of vision and significantly raises the chances of a collision. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, drivers who fail to completely clear their windshields of ice, snow, and fog can only see about 2 to 3 percent of what a driver with a fully clear windshield can see. 
A recent survey by the Center for Safe Driving revealed that over 50 percent of drivers confessed to not fully removing snow or ice from their vehicle windows. To address this issue, many states have implemented laws that require drivers to make reasonable efforts to clear snow or ice from their vehicles. Additionally, various law enforcement agencies nationwide plan to focus on drivers who neglect to clear their windshields during the winter months.
As part of your pre-trip check, you must ensure that your windshield, side windows, and mirrors are free from snow, ice, or fog before you hit the road. Another hazard to be aware of is when snow or ice chunks slide off the top of your vehicle and fall onto cars behind you. These heavy pieces can act like dangerous projectiles, potentially causing accidents, injuries, or worse.
If a heavy snowfall is expected, moving your vehicle away from the dock or terminal is advisable to prevent snow from accumulating on the roof and transferring to the top of your trailer or truck. As a professional driver, it’s crucial to be aware of unsafe behaviors in other drivers and to take precautions to avoid collisions by steering clear of them.
I am using a driver leasing company, who is responsible for the compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier regulations?
Driver services and leasing companies do not qualify as motor carriers and, therefore, are not accountable for adhering to regulations. While these companies can handle tasks like maintaining driver qualification files, conducting annual reviews, and performing road tests under the motor carrier’s direction, it’s important to remember that the motor carrier holds the ultimate responsibility for any violations of FMCSA regulations.
Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminars!
Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025. The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals.
Spring Seminars 2025
- 4/16/2025 – Dallas, TX
- 4/21/2025 – Hudsonville, MI
- 4/23/2025 – Brookfield, WI
- 4/29/2025 – San Leandro, CA
- 5/1/2025 – Portland, OR
- TBD – Harrisburg, PA
- TBD – Columbia, SC
- TBD – Miami, FL
- 5/15/2025 – Tampa, FL
To register for an upcoming spring seminar in 2025, click on the following link:
Safety Seminar Registration
Note: Fall seminars will be announced in a later bulletin.
*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.