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Black ice is a thin coat of glazed ice on a road. It takes on a dark colouring from the pavement. It commonly forms from moisture on the road (rain, fog, melted snow, dew) at temperatures between 4C and -4C.

It can be hard to see so learn how to read the road. Ice buildup on your windshield can be a clue. Look for sections of the road that appear black and shiny. Be alert for black ice in places that get less sunlight, like tunnels, roads under overpasses, and streets lined with trees. It’s most common in early morning or late at night.

If you start to lose traction or control, do your best to stay calm. Avoid abrupt movements, such as braking or steering aggressively. Instead, ease off the gas and shift into a lower gear. Look and steer in the direction you want to go.

Get more driving tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

Being a safe driver requires a little mental discipline. Getting lost in thought or daydreaming is a dangerous activity on the road. Your brain is effectively “filtering out” potentially important information.

Always scan the road ahead and to the sides in a continuous loop. You can switch up the pattern to provide some variety. Change your gaze every 2 seconds. Any longer and you tend to stare, which starts your mind wandering and narrows your peripheral vision.

Another way to keep alert is to imagine “what-if” scenarios. What if that oncoming car crosses over the line? What if that truck ahead suddenly stops? You can then think about crash evasion plans.

You can also try varying your driving routes. Taking the same road can lead to complacency, which means you are less likely to watch for potential hazards. Change things up a bit to avoid going on autopilot.

Get more driving tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

In general, “driving for the conditions” means adjusting your driving in different weather, road, visibility, and traffic conditions to maintain full control of your vehicle.

A basic rule is to slow down when conditions are less than ideal. Speed limits are set for optimal conditions. So even if you drive at the speed limit, police can ticket you for driving too fast for the conditions if the road is icy, crowded, narrow, or if visibility is poor.

Here are some examples of driving for the conditions:

• Being able to maintain control of the vehicle when the road is slippery from rain or ice.
• Being able to stop or slow enough to avoid hitting a pedestrian or animal that unexpectedly enters your path.
• Leaving more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you when visibility is less than ideal, such as at night, in fog, or during heavy rainfall.

Get more driving tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

During dry weather, oil deposits from vehicle exhaust build up on the road. When even light rain hits, roads can be quite slick. So be extra cautious, especially when it first starts to rain.

Some other tips:

• Slow down. Vehicles going more than 55 km/h have an increased risk of hydroplaning on a slippery road.
• Brake smart. Rather than relying on brakes to slow down, ease off the accelerator when possible.
• Use wipers and headlights. Ensure wiper blades are in good condition and use your headlights even in light rain for better visibility.

Driving on water-covered roads can be dangerous. Any amount of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You won’t know how deep the water is, or what’s hidden below the surface, until you’re in it. Puddles and pools of water can hide damaged pavement and other hazards.

To help keep yourself safe, follow these precautions:

Find the safest route
If you have to drive, know before you go by checking DriveBC.ca or traffic reports for road conditions. If the route you usually take is under water, find another one. About 30 cm of rushing water on a road can float most cars, and 61 cm can carry away SUVs and trucks.

Cross slowly through water
If you have to drive through standing water, first watch other vehicles to see how they fare. Cross one vehicle at a time and take it slow and steady. The deeper the water, the lower your speed. Driving too fast could cause tires to lose contact with the road. Use the vehicle’s lowest gear, even with an automatic transmission.

Get more driving tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

Winter tires are the first line of defense when roads are slippery. Make sure your vehicle has them. Winter tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snow symbol provide the best traction when temperatures drop below 7C.

Slow down, because ice makes it more difficult to steer and stop. Leave at least 4 seconds of distance between yourself and the vehicle in front, to give you more time to react. Be alert for other vehicles sliding into your path.

Also be aware that black ice could be present, even if you can’t see it. If there’s ice build-up on your windshield, black ice is probably on the road. It’s common in shaded areas, bridges and overpasses. Also watch for sections of the road that appear black and shiny.

A skid usually results from driving too fast for road conditions.

If you start to skid, ease off the brake or accelerator and look and steer in the direction you want to go. Smooth steering is the key to recovering. Be careful not to over-steer. If you’re on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.

To avoid skidding on slick roads in the first place, start slowly. Accelerate gradually. Avoid quick movements. Anticipate turns, stops, and lane changes well before they occur.

When stopping, plan well in advance, apply the brakes gently and slowly add pressure. Never brake suddenly. If you have an anti-lock braking system, you don’t need to pump the brakes on slippery roads. They will activate automatically.

Wildfires and the smoke they create can make driving even more dangerous. Intense heat, smoke, and debris on the road can affect both you and your vehicle. Don’t put yourself, other drivers, or emergency responders at risk.

Drive calmly and cautiously
Don’t speed. Be alert. Increase your following distance to 4 to 6 seconds. Keep headlights and taillights on. Always follow instructions from emergency and traffic control personnel.

Avoid driving at night, around water
The combination of temperature, moisture, dim lighting, and smoke can reduce visibility. Be cautious in valleys and areas near water.

Roll up the windows
Close windows and exterior air vents. Use the recirculation mode on your air conditioning. Switch it off every hour for about 15 minutes to allow the air filter to remove contaminants and let fresh air in.

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
Stock emergency essentials such as booster cables, bottled water, a “Help/OK” sign, and a map in case you lose cell reception. Pack a few masks in case you need to get out of your car in a smoky area.

Get more driving tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

Good habits can reduce the risks of working at the roadside. So make sure you’re in the habit of following safe work procedures.

• Stay aware of your surroundings. Know where traffic is coming from, and don’t turn your back to moving vehicles. Have a co-worker act as a lookout, if needed.
• Avoid distractions such as your phone while on the job.
• Take time to assess the site throughout the day. If traffic speeds up, the weather changes, or something about the setup shifts, you may need to adjust the work zone.

Working safely is part of doing the job well. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to go home safely at the end of the day.

Review work zone safety for roadside workers for more tips.

Before you leave for a roadside work site, take a few minutes to plan your day. Review the scope of work, confirm the location, and check traffic and weather conditions. Build in extra travel time so you’re not rushed. And remember to check your vehicle to make sure it’s ready to go.

Pack your PPE, signs, cones, and other safety gear. Make sure your work zone setup plan is clear, and you understand your role. If you’re unsure, talk with your supervisor.

Know your emergency escape route and how you’ll stay in touch with your supervisor throughout the shift.

Being prepared isn’t just good practice. It’s a key part of protecting yourself and your co-workers. A few extra minutes at the start of your day can help prevent serious incidents at the roadside.

Review Road Safety at Work’s Safety at the Roadside: What Workers Need to Know guide for more tips.

How you drive in work zones can be the difference between workers staying safe on the job or suffering a serious injury.

Here are some tips to help keep the workers — and you and your passengers — safe:

Drive like a loved one works there
Show respect for roadside workers by making eye contact and giving them plenty of room. Keep your cool and be patient. Brief delays are sometimes necessary to help travel flowing safely.

Know and follow the law
At all work zones, BC law requires you to:

• Slow down to the posted limit and drive with care
• Pay attention and leave your phone alone
• Obey road signs, traffic control devices, and traffic control people

Whenever you approach vehicles with red, blue, or amber lights flashing, you’re additionally required to follow the Slow Down, Move Over law. You need to reduce speed to and move your vehicle to the left if safe to do so.

Expected the unexpected
A lot of things are happening in work zones. Always be prepared. Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Get more driving tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

Your work zone needs to be set up properly to protect you, your co-workers, drivers, and any other road users in the space. Here are some tips to follow:

• Make sure signs and cones are properly positioned according to your training and the guidelines. Don’t cut corners or skip steps, even on short jobs or quiet roads.
• Make sure you’re visible. Make sure your high-visibility clothing is in good condition. If you’re working in poor light, use lights or reflective gear as needed.
• Take a few moments to check your setup before starting the job. If something feels unsafe, speak up.

Your work zone is your workplace, and safety starts with how it’s built. Review Road Safety at Work’s Roadside Work Preparation Checklist for more tips.

Being seen can save your life when working at the roadside. Drivers need time to notice you, understand the situation, and react.

• Don’t assume drivers see you, especially if visibility is low.
• Make sure signage is clear and easy to spot from a distance.
• Stay alert, make eye contact where possible, and always leave yourself room to move out of harm’s way.

A few seconds of visibility can make all the difference between a near miss and a serious injury.

Get more tips for work zone safety for roadside workers.

When employees drive personal vehicles for work, you have a responsibility to set and enforce rules for the vehicles and features you’ll allow. Use the same standards as you would for vehicles your organization owns. If their vehicle doesn’t meet those standards, you can refuse to allow it to be used for work.

Some things to do:

• Confirm the vehicle is properly registered and insured.
• Visually inspect it to verify it meets legal requirements and your organization’s standards.
• Teach employees how to thoroughly inspect their vehicle and give them procedures to follow.
• Require employees to submit inspection and maintenance records monthly, and insurance records and renewals annually.
• Review the records and do periodic spot checks.

To develop a policy with clear guidelines, download Road Safety at Work’s Using Employee Owned Vehicles for Work Procedure Template. You can edit it to suit your needs.

When filling a position that involves even occasional driving, make sure the applicant holds a valid driver’s licence. Check the expiry date and make sure the class rating is appropriate for the vehicles they will drive on the job.

Also get a copy of their driving abstract and review it with them.

Make driving competencies part of your hiring process. Do a driver assessment so you understand what driving skills the candidate has. An assessment will also help you identify any additional training you’ll need to provide so they can safely do the driving the job requires.

Once you bring them on board, you’re responsible for orienting new employees to their driving duties and vehicle before allowing them to drive on the job. Use Road Safety at Work’s driver orientation checklist to guide you.

If new employees are going to drive for any work-related reason, your safety responsibilities include assessing their competencies and skills behind the wheel.

Some questions to ask during the hiring process include:

• What GPS systems have you used in other jobs? This helps you understand their navigational skills.
• Do you consider yourself a good driver? If they say “No,” ask them why not, and what driving abilities they feel they need to improve. If they say “Yes,” ask them to explain a few of the things they do that make them a good driver.
• How do you deal with the frustrations of heavy traffic and the impatient behaviours of other drivers? This tells you about their driving behaviours.
• What vehicles/configurations have you operated?
• What safe driving practices do you commonly use?

If your organization plans to hire young or new workers, be aware that they’re more vulnerable to workplace injuries than more experienced workers.

Many new employees don’t arrive with all the driving skills and behaviours they’ll need. They’re more likely to be involved in a workplace incident than other employees. So invest some time to find out what skills they have and how you can help lower the risks.

It all starts with a health and safety orientation. You’re required to do this with every new and young employee.

If they’re going to drive make sure they have the needed skills, understand your driving policies, and know the hazards they may face and how to respond to them. Make sure too that they know how to operate the vehicle safely, including what its safety features can and can’t do.

Be aware that young drivers may need more frequent reminders about not using their phones while at the wheel. They also may have irregular sleep patterns, which can cause fatigue when driving.

Get more tips from RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

Road safety doesn’t take holidays. Especially not in December, which is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.

Here are some steps you can take to help reduce the risks for your employees who drive:

• Know who drives for work. It’s easy to identify full-time drivers. But you may also have workers who drive part time or only occasionally as part of their job. Think about office staff who sometimes pick up supplies, or sales reps who call on clients, or workers who travel between job sites.
• Shift driving attitudes and schedules. Encourage drivers to think “How can I get to my destination safely?” rather than “How do I get there the fastest?” Adjust schedules where possible to give them more time to reach their destinations, and to drive during daylight.
• Prepare drivers for the conditions. Steer them to DriveBC.ca for road and weather reports. Remind drivers to slow down and increase their following distance to at least 4 seconds. Review your winter driving policy and procedures with them. Give them Road Safety at Work’s guide on what workers need to know.
• Winterize vehicles. The basics include a set of 4 matched winter tires, a maintenance check-up, and a vehicle emergency kit.

If an employee is going back to driving after an extended break, they may be nervous or unsure of themselves. Have a conversation with them. Here are some things to discuss:

• What has changed. Will they drive different routes, a different type of vehicle, or on a different schedule? Will there be more or less traffic?
• Do an orientation and assessment. It may be worthwhile to provide another driver orientation to remind them about the basics. Start with a review of skills. Use Road Safety at Work’s Driver Orientation Checklist as your guide. You might also do a ride-along assessment.
• Start small. Gradually expose the employee to driving again. This may mean shorter trips or scheduling them to drive at less busy times or on less busy roads. Have them use a vehicle they are comfortable with.
• Be supportive. Remind drivers to take breaks at least every 2 hours to help relieve stress. Encourage them to be patient with themselves. It can take time for them to rebuild confidence and feel comfortable.

Get more tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

Many organizations have a variety of employees who do some driving as part of their job, even if it’s only for a few minutes. They are driving for work, even if “driver” isn’t part of their job title. And driving may be the most dangerous thing they do during their shift.

Don’t overlook employees who drive occasionally. Home healthcare workers, for example, drive between client homes. Landscapers drive from yard to yard. Office workers may pick up supplies or run other errands. Sales reps log a lot of miles. In all cases, they’re driving for work.

Vehicles used for any work purposes in BC are considered workplaces. That means employers have health and safety responsibilities whenever staff drive or ride in vehicles being used for work. And it doesn’t matter if they’re using a company vehicle or a personal one.

Review Road Safety at Work’s Employer Occupational Road Safety Responsibilities Guide to learn the requirements. The guide also suggests safe work practices that can help you meet your responsibilities.

A strategy for coping with staff shortages may lie in your organization’s road safety policies and procedures.

Using them to help prevent crashes can keep workers on the job. Employees injured in driving-related incidents are off the job longer than people injured at work for other reasons.

Follow these tips:

Optimize driver time
Effective journey management can reduce unnecessary driving. And fewer trips can lead to fewer crashes, which means less scrambling to cover shifts or train replacements. Use virtual meetings where possible. Start carpooling for crews between job sites.

Refresh their skills
Driving skills are perishable. Educating and training employees can help reduce the chance of driver error — the most frequent contributor to crashes. Assess driver skills every 2 or 3 years.

Use safety to boost productivity
Driving is stressful and mentally fatiguing. Less driving can mean less fatigue, which can translate to increased productivity when employees feel fresher and retain focus.

Use safety culture to attract, retain staff
Unsafe work conditions can contribute to staff turnover. A strong road safety culture can help improve job satisfaction and keep skilled workers who feel valued. It can also attract new employees.

Get more tips at RoadSafetyAtWork.ca.

Summer driving presents unique dangers. Driving conditions that seem ideal can make drivers feel like nothing could go wrong. As a result, they pay less attention to the hazards around them.

Yet roads are busier with more vehicles and congestion, more roadside work zones, and more pedestrians and cyclists. There’s more glare from bright sun.

Start by reminding your staff that driving too fast for the conditions is dangerous even in summer. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. Exceeding them increases the risk of a crash and the severity of injuries that could result.

Your team may know to stay hydrated but are they aware of how to make a trip plan? Do they know that more wildlife are on the road and how to avoid colliding with them?

And here’s a tip for you as the employer: Make sure all vehicles used for work — ones you own as well as ones employees own — are inspected and maintained. Heat-related issues can compromise vehicle performance.

Review Road Safety at Work’s tips for preparing to drive in the heat and share them with your staff.

It can be difficult to guide, instruct, and monitor employees you can’t see, hear, or speak with. But supervising drivers is very manageable.

Start by knowing your safety responsibilities. Review Road Safety at Work’s Supervisor Occupational Road Safety Responsibilities Guide to learn work practices you can follow each day to help meet the requirements. Also be sure to lead by example. Consistently model the driving behaviours and attitudes that your organization expects of all employees.

Encourage communication by asking drivers for their input on road safety and involving them when you create policies and procedures. Hold regular tailgate meetings and have drivers share their concerns and experiences.

Teach them how to inspect their vehicles and give them forms so they can document any issues. Regularly review those records.

And before assigning driving, make sure employees have the necessary skills and are fit to safely complete the trip.

You can learn more practical steps to take by signing up for Road Safety at Work’s no-cost Supervising Employees Who Drive for Work Online Course.

Winter’s cold temperatures, icy roads, and salt can take a toll on vehicles. So as spring arrives, an inspection and maintenance check can help ensure they’re ready and safe for the new season’s demands.

Start by de-winterizing. Remove winter tires once they are no longer legally required (March 31 on most highways, April 30 for some in high snowfall areas). Remove traction devices such as sandbags.

Check vehicle emergency kits and replenish them as needed. While you’re at it, check to make sure the kit is stocked for summer and that any perishable contents haven’t expired.

Complete an inspection, tuneup, and repairs/maintenance to help ensure the vehicle is mechanically sound. And a thorough cleaning, inside and out, is in order.

Use Road Safety at Work’s Spring Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Checklist to help guide you.

Here are 3 simple things you can do to help your staff get ready for fall and winter conditions on the road:

• Prepare workers and vehicles. Make sure they understand how to drive in rain, fog, ice, and snow. Ask them questions such as, “What do you need to do when the vehicle skids?” to verify their knowledge. Check to make sure vehicles have winter tires and wiper blades in good condition, and an emergency kit.
• Require trip planning. Have drivers complete a trip plan for your approval before they set out when weather conditions are bad or worsening.
• Provide frequent reminders. Demonstrate and discuss your organization’s driving policies with anyone on staff who drives for work, whether it’s full time, part time, or occasionally. Include workers who use their own vehicles. Encourage questions.

Get more ideas in Road Safety at Work’s online Making Winter Driving Safer for Your Employees course.

Work zone safety isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s also about showing that you’ve done it.

Be sure to keep written records of:

• Work zone set-up procedures and daily checks
• Safety talks or briefings held on site
• PPE checks
• Any near-miss reports or safety concerns raised by workers

These records demonstrate due diligence and can be vital in the event of a crash, inspection, or claim. They also help identify patterns and areas for improvement over time.

Good documentation is part of safety. It’s also good business.

Work zone safety doesn’t start on site. It starts in your office or shop, when the job is being planned.

Whether you’re managing a large project or a quick roadside repair, your pre-job planning should include how the work zone will be set up, what signage and equipment are needed, and how workers will stay visible and protected.

Also consider:

• The time of day. Will visibility or traffic volume be an issue?
• The team. Are workers trained in safe work procedures on site and PPE use?
• The route. Are there safer access points to the site?

A few extra minutes of planning can prevent serious injuries, reduce liability, and help jobs run more smoothly. Get more tips on work zone planning.

Many of the most vulnerable roadside workers operate in small-scale or mobile zones. Landscapers, utility crews, movers, arborists, and maintenance workers often work near traffic with minimal barriers or warning signs.

These smaller zones can be just as dangerous as high-speed highway jobs. Drivers may not expect to see people working, and workers may not have the same visibility or space to move.

Remind your crews:

• A risk assessment must be done, regardless of how “quick” the job seems.
• Even short tasks need proper signage and traffic control.
• All roadside workers should wear high-visibility apparel that meets CSA standards.

If a crew is working near traffic, there’s danger. Don’t let familiarity lower your guard. Get more tips on work zone safety for employers and supervisors.

One serious work zone incident can ripple through an organization in ways many employers don’t anticipate.

Look beyond the upfront cost of safety measures and consider the long-term value. High-visibility apparel, signs, and extra setup time are small investments compared to the cost — financial and human — of a preventable roadside incident.

Beyond the immediate human impact, there are costs that may include:

• Medical expenses and injury claims
• Equipment and vehicle damage
• Delays and lost productivity
• Legal action or fines
• Damage to your organization’s reputation

Safety is not just a regulatory box to check. It’s risk management that protects people and keeps projects on track.

Get more tips on work zone safety for employers and supervisors.

Tailgate meetings are one of the most effective ways to keep work zone safety fresh for your crews.

Here’s a recipe for a successful talk:

• Keep it short and focused on an issue relevant to the day’s work
• Focus on one safety topic, such as traffic flow, escape routes, or cone placement
• Involve the crew by asking what concerns they have, and what’s changed since last time

Holding a talk each day is a simple way to identify site-specific risks, reinforce procedures, and remind crews that safety is a shared responsibility. Use Road Safety at Work’s Set Up and Take Down of Roadside Work Zones Tailgate Meeting Guide to help start the conversation.