Slippery roads don’t always come with snow. A wet road can quickly freeze, and black ice can be difficult to detect before traction has already been reduced. For professional drivers, safe winter driving starts with being prepared before conditions change.
When we think about winter driving, it’s easy to picture snow-covered roads and long periods of freezing temperatures. But the reality often looks different. Roads may be dry or wet for most of the day and then change quickly as temperatures drop. You may leave the terminal on clear roads and encounter completely different conditions later along your route. A section of road may have frozen, a hill may suddenly require more traction, or a road that appears wet may actually be covered by a thin layer of ice.
Black ice shows why it pays to think ahead
Black ice is especially dangerous because the road surface may still look wet or clear. The traction available ahead of the vehicle can therefore be very different from the section of road you just traveled.
Monitoring the weather and temperature, staying alert to changing conditions, and adjusting your speed and following distance are essential. But for a professional driver, being prepared also means knowing your vehicle and how to use the equipment available when you need it.
Onspot is activated from the driver’s seat and can provide additional traction without the driver having to stop and install traditional tire chains. The key is to activate the system in time, before the vehicle reaches the slippery section of road. This could be before an icy hill or a stop where you need enough traction to get moving again on a slippery surface.
Less snow doesn’t mean less risk of slippery roads
This is especially relevant in areas with mild and changing winter conditions. A vehicle doesn’t have to encounter snow and ice every day for slippery roads to cause problems. A single critical section of road during an otherwise trouble-free route can be enough.
A truck still needs to get through. A bus still needs to complete its route safely. An emergency vehicle needs to be ready when road conditions change quickly. Winter preparedness is therefore not just about how much snow is expected. It’s about being prepared when traction changes.
To keep the system moving and make using it a natural part of your routine, we recommend activating Onspot at least once a month, even when road conditions don’t require it. That way, you also know how the system works when the day comes that you actually need it.
Be prepared before road conditions change
Do you know when to activate Onspot and how to use the system in different driving situations?
Make sure you know your Onspot before winter conditions put it to the test. Find operating instructions, driver checklists, system checks, and maintenance information to help keep you and your Onspot ready.
