January hits and the roads change — ice, snow, slush, and low visibility become part of every shift. Knowing how to handle it makes the difference between a solid day and a serious incident.
Watch Your Step Before You Watch the Road
Slips and falls at the delivery point cause more driver injuries than most people expect. Before you pull a package and head for the door, scan the driveway, walkway, and porch. Ice forms fast on shaded surfaces even when the road looks clear. Short steps slow you down by seconds — they save you weeks of recovery if a fall happens.
Wear footwear with real grip. Postal carriers know this; delivery drivers should too. A lightweight lace-up sneaker might be comfortable, but it's a liability on a wet January morning.
Adjust Your Following Distance, Every Time
The stopping distance on ice is up to ten times longer than on dry pavement. What looks like plenty of room at 35 mph in summer is nothing in January. Give the car ahead more space than feels necessary, especially on bridges and overpasses where ice forms before the road surface does.
Brake early and gently. If your van starts to slide, steer into the skid and ease off the gas. Don't panic-brake — it makes things worse.
Warm Up Your Vehicle Before Loading
A cold engine, stiff brakes, and fogged-up windows are a recipe for a slow, dangerous start. Give your vehicle 5–10 minutes in cold weather before you pull out of the lot. Clear all glass — not just the windshield. Rear window, mirrors, roof snow — all of it. Snow blowing off your roof into the car behind you is a hazard for them and a liability for you.
Check your wipers before you need them. Winter wiper blades are worth the small cost.
Stay Visible, Stay Alert
Wear a bright reflective vest, especially on early morning or late afternoon routes where daylight is short. When walking between your vehicle and a front door, stay aware of traffic. Drivers don't always see delivery personnel stepping out from between parked vehicles.
Keep your phone in your pocket or holder — not in your hand. Glancing at an address while walking across a slick driveway is exactly how good drivers have bad days.
JWA Logistics wants every driver home at the end of the shift. It's not just policy — it's how we operate. Build the winter habits now and they'll carry you through the rest of the year.