By Dave Millhouser

Leon is a great guy, but during the 40 years weve been friends he continually exhibits one trait that drives me nuts: Leon is surprised by tolls.

Driving on a toll road or turnpike, hell actually be at the booth before realizing they expect payment. It can take 30 agonizing seconds for him to fumble through his pockets and come up with the cash.

So, when Leon actually looked into the near future and opined that bad winter weather cant be far off, it caught my attention. Perhaps there are things we should be thinking about in preparation.

Most companies have a checklist of mechanical things they do to get ready for cold weather and, hopefully, it has evolved as times have changed.

Times HAVE changed.

In the past, it was important to check and service the batteries and starting system. Now its critical. Between idling ordinances and modern engines desire to "regenerate" if idled too long, the days of running a coach long periods to keep it warm are over.

Since we cant idle as much, batteries and starters work harder these days. Yet, despite all of the improvements in coaches, starters and batteries really arent much different than they were 40 years ago. However, because theyre working harder, they require more care and attention.

And theres another important reason for an attentive battery-maintenance program. When batteries fail, jump starting modern computerized coaches involves a bit of risk (if done improperly).

In addition to checking your coaches out for winter, you may want to spend some time with your drivers, letting them know what to expect. Or, put another way, a key aspect of your winterization program might include explaining to drivers the "big picture."

No. 1, not only does casual idling waste fuel and wear engines, it often breaks local anti-idling laws and invites the dreaded "regen."

Most modern coaches have supplemental heaters which also need to be maintained, but offer a much quicker "warm-up." Drivers will be less tempted to idle coaches if they understand why its ugly, and are confident their coach will start when they turn the key.

Modern coaches have antilock brakes (ABS), and, often, automatic traction control and electronic stability control. These gizmos greatly enhance safety if theyre maintained, and if drivers understand how they work. Part of illustrating the "big picture" might be to explain how these operate, so drivers dont defeat hardware that is trying to help. Part of that training might include how to behave when the gizmo fails.

For example, pumping the brakes in a skid defeats the ABS, but may be the correct action if the ABS has failed. When drivers understand how systems function, they can safely work around problems.

Sometimes, after an early snow, its possible to use a parking lot to practice driving on slippery roads. Demonstrate to drivers how a bus behaves with, and without, the systems working. Youll want a BIG, empty lot for this one. It can be fun . . . and instructive. Im not sure if simulators provide this experience, but they should.

It wont be time wasted because sliding on ice and hydroplaning are second cousins.

You might also want to give thought to scheduling. If a trip is using almost all of a drivers hours, winter weather makes it more likely that it will take longer. Regulations offer a bit of relief for "emergencies" but Mother Nature can be less forgiving. When possible, plan for this. Do we really want a tired driver forging ahead in ugly weather?

Part of the "big picture" for drivers might be a free-wheeling discussion of some of the things theyve seen over the years. Guaranteed to be amusing, and hearing stories of what happened to their colleagues might give them an edge when the same thing happens to them.

The gentleman who taught me to drive a motorcoach said: "Always assume the other guy will do the wrong thing ... hell rarely disappoint you." There is something about ice that compounds this affect. When you think theyll stop, they go, and often sideways. Sometimes they stop -- just because they can.

Southern folk are reading this and smirking because they dont have to deal with much of this silliness. But, be careful. If youre lucky, youll get some ski work or be sent north to help another company.

Have you noticed how often everything circles back to trained, motivated drivers? A good one can finish a trip safely in a troubled coach, while no amount of technology can overcome the mistakes of a bad one.

Understanding how everything fits together is part of what makes a driver "good." Great drivers dont just sprout, theyre cultivated. Like it or not, Old Man Winter is a master at what is normally a summer-time activity: separating the wheat from the chaff.

Leon, by the way, was excellent in the winter, perhaps because he was so focused on driving (as opposed to paying tolls). Many of us think hes the father of the E-ZPass.

Dave Millhouser is a bus industry marketing consultant and freelance writer. Contact him by email at Davemillhouser@gmail.com.