Businesses that have commercial vehicles and commercial drivers understand the many factors that can impact their daily routes and stops. If a driver is feeling unwell, if the vehicle is having mechanical issues, or if there are roadblocks and traffic delays, this can hurt productivity and lead to losses for the company. However, one of the biggest factors that can impact commercial vehicles comes from bad weather. Often, commercial drivers and the vehicles they operate can be seriously impacted by bad weather, and injuries and damages can result. In today's Aegis blog post, we look at three ways bad weather can impact commercial vehicles, as well as offer some ways companies can stay proactive and help reduce their exposure to damaging weather conditions.

Heavy Rainfall

In the Gulf Coast region, a majority of businesses and commercial sites are either at or just below sea level, meaning there is a greater likelihood for heavy rainfall resulting in flash floods and impassable roads. In a short amount of time, heavy rainfall can lead to street flooding, commercial vehicle damages, and personal injuries to drivers. In addition to injuring drivers and damaging commercial vehicles, companies can also face the loss of valuable merchandise, raw materials, tools, customer property, and business equipment if a vehicle is flooded due to heavy rainfall.

Hail Damage

Hailstorms are another common cause of damages to commercial vehicles and injuries to drivers. Hail can quickly damage windshields, windows, lights, and the vehicle body in just a few minutes. Also, drivers loading products or driving during a hailstorm can be injured, leading to more losses and delays for the company. The resulting damage from a hailstorm can render a commercial vehicle unsafe for driving, causing a loss of productivity, and possibly even revenue and customer losses as well.

Roadway Debris

Finally, severe weather can also jeopardize commercial vehicles and their drivers because of roadway debris flying around due to high winds. For example, strong winds can knock down tree limbs and branches, sending them into roadways or straight into commercial vehicles. Company vehicles can be also be compromised by other kinds of debris, such as trash, equipment, or tools flying into streets, impairing the driver's vision and potentially causing an accident.

Solutions

In order to protect both commercial drivers and commercial vehicles, companies should establish safety guidelines that including monitoring weather conditions to reduce the likelihood of being out in dangerous weather. Commercial drivers can check weather conditions using phone apps, and delivery routes can be updated to increase safety for drivers and vehicles. Drivers should also be trained to stop and check roadways for potential street flooding if inclement weather hits, and possibly take shelter in parking garages or covered areas of hailstorms are imminent.

Companies with commercial vehicles and drivers can take proactive steps to ensure safety when bad weather strikes our area. In addition, businesses can also have increased protection through quality Commercial Insurance coverage from Aegis Insurance & Financial Services. The friendly and knowledgeable team at Aegis can create customized commercial insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of your business and industry. Contact Aegis today at 713-850-7622 for more information or complete our online form for a free quote!