• OneBeaconGov.com
    • Risk Management
    • Claims
    • Products and Coverages
    • News and Events
    • Resources
    • Contact Us

In the Know | OBGR Blog

0

Risk Management Tips · Safety Tips · Tips

Are Your Drivers Prepared for Black Ice?

  • by admin
  • January 19, 2015

Black Ice GraphicThe Hard-to-Spot Winter Road Hazard

Black ice is defined as a thin coat of highly transparent ice, making it nearly invisible or easily mistaken for standing water on pavement. It forms anytime road surface temperatures drop below the freezing point (32° F) and the air temperature is higher than the pavement. Black ice is known for creating transportation hazards for everyone involved from transit drivers and emergency personnel to citizen drivers, even walkers and bicyclists.

Driving on black ice is differentiated from snow based on the amount of traction it allows a vehicle to retain. Even when the air temperature begins to raise drivers need to remain cautious, driving at decreased speeds, noting pavement temperatures do not rise as quickly and salt on roadways can become ineffective at lower temperatures. Additionally, drivers should increase their following distance, stay off of the accelerator and avoid overcorrecting the steering wheel if the vehicle begins to slide.

While traffic deaths fell 3% in 2013, as a risk manager, training your fleet drivers on winter driving safety could potentially save lives and your public entity a substantial amount in injury and property damage-related expenses. Are your fleet risk management practices clearly outlined for employees? For best practices, OneBeacon Government Risks recommends you to consider sending your public entity personnel an email or creating a one-page document explaining your policies and procedures for safe winter driving.

Bonus Information on Black Ice and Winter Hazards:

  • What Is Black Ice? (via Weather.com)
  • Black Ice: A Hazard for Drivers (via Safety and Health Magazine)
  • Road Icing Myths and Frequently Asked Questions (via Icy Road Safety)

For additional Risk Management Resources from OneBeacon Government Risks please visit OneBeaconGov.com.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the OBGR blog so that you will be first to know when we post company news and events, a new industry tip, or safety and risk management info! To subscribe simply input your email address in the “subscribe by email” form on the right sidebar of this page.

Tags: black icecold weatherfleet managementicelocal governmentpublic entitypublic entity fleet risk managementpublic entity risk controlpublic entity risk managementrisk controlrisk managementsafety tipswinterwinter drivingwinter safetywinter weather

  • Previous story OBGR Welcomes Curtis Weible!
  • Next story OBGR Donates to Clarity Child Guidance Center

    Related Posts

  • Sledding Hills: Know the Risk
  • Sarah Schmitz’s Article Published on Independent Agent
  • Election 2016: Ensure your Polling Places ADA Compliant
  • Risk Management: Trails & Open Spaces

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL


  • Categories

    • Agents & Brokers (3)
    • Claims Tips (6)
    • Conferences & Events (53)
    • FirstFire Services (3)
    • Industry News (33)
    • Risk Management (60)
    • Risk Management Tips (55)
    • Safety Tips (27)
    • Tips (60)
    • What's New at OBGR (40)
  • ABOUT

    We provide custom insurance solutions for midsized municipalities, counties and special districts including water and sanitation, non-rail transit authorities and other publicly-funded agencies. This blog covers our company's news and events and provides safety and risk management tips.
  • SEARCH IN THE KNOW BLOG

  • RECENT POSTS

    • ADA Compliance? It Goes for your Public Entity Website & Mobile App Too
    • 5 Actionable Tips on Emergency Preparedness for your Public Entity
    • [Infographic] Do You Need Terrorism Insurance?
    • Non-Owned Automobile Exposure for Public Entities
    • School Resource Officers: Yours, Mine or Ours?
  • TWITTER

    Tweets by @OneBeaconGov
  • Contact Us

    OneBeacon Government Risks
    866.971.OBGR (6247) x 3832
    GovernmentRisks@onebeacon.com
  • Training

    We know our stuff. If you are interested in taking advantage of our expert knowledge, check out our risk management page or take advantage of the courses available through our online training center.
  • Follow Us

       

©2017 OneBeacon Government Risks, A member of OneBeacon Insurance Group. Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions - Producer Compensation Disclosure