You don't get to call off the route because it snowed. But you do have real responsibilities — to yourself, to pedestrians, and to the public — to adjust how you drive when winter conditions hit. Here's what experienced drivers actually do differently.
Before You Leave the Lot
Don't rush the warm-up. On days with ice or heavy frost, your vehicle needs time to get windows clear, defrost lines active, and brakes fully functioning. Five minutes idling with the defroster running saves you from driving with a streaked windshield.
Check tire pressure. Cold air drops PSI, and under-inflated tires have significantly less grip on wet or icy pavement. Most tire shops or gas stations have free air. Keep your tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure — usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door.
If your route area got precipitation overnight, check road conditions before you leave. Most states have a real-time road conditions hotline or a DOT website with current closures. Dispatch may also have updates.
On the Road: Slow Everything Down
Your stopping distance on packed snow or ice is dramatically longer than dry pavement. What you can stop in 100 feet on a dry day might take 400+ feet on ice. Adjust your following distance accordingly.
Slow down at intersections more than you think you need to. Black ice forms at low points and shaded spots — intersections, underpasses, bridges. If you've hit one slip already on a route, assume there's more ahead.
Take turns slowly and steer smoothly. Sharp turns at speed cause the back of your vehicle to swing out — especially in a van with cargo shifting.
Parking and Walking in Winter Conditions
When you park for a delivery in snow, park where you won't block traffic if your van slips. Avoid parking on steep driveways or inclines. Leave your van in gear (manual) or park mode (automatic) and use the parking brake even on slight slopes.
Walking from van to door is where a lot of driver injuries happen. Take deliberate steps on icy sidewalks, use available handrails, and don't run. Carrying a heavy box at a jog on an icy step is a hospital visit.
When It Gets Bad Enough to Stop
You have the right to call dispatch if conditions become unsafe. If visibility is near zero, if roads are closed, or if your vehicle is not handling safely, stopping is the correct call. Document it and notify dispatch immediately.
No stop on a manifest is worth a serious accident. JWA Logistics supports drivers who make the call to stop when conditions are dangerous — and we'd rather have a delayed route than a driver in an emergency room.