RISK ENGINEERING

BLACK ICE AVOIDANCE

Winter driving is tough enough without the worry of black ice. Roads covered in snow are challenging, but on most drives we can know what we are dealing with. Black ice, however, is invisible and often appears where it is least expected. Black ice is not, as the name might suggest, actually black. Although called black, it is its transparency that permits it to blend into the road pavement no matter the type, whether asphalt, concrete or other. It forms when light rain or fog encounters a road surface whose temperature is at or below freezing. Black ice can form suddenly, so it is important to know how to prepare for, detect and handle this type of condition.

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Contact Information Todd Buechler Director, Risk Engineering m: 309.838.3231 [email protected] www.cfins.com Black Ice Avoidance Claims 24-hour toll free number Risk Management 1.800.392.1970

To help avoid accidents involving black ice, consider these tips: C&F RISK ENGINEERS UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS When can black ice form? Since 1822, Crum & Forster has successfully 1. The air temperature need not be at or below 32 degrees; anticipated what’s next. Our insurance policy is only the ground temperature must be at or below freezing. our promise to help you – the policyholder – in the event of a loss. It gives you a future benefit that you 2. Black ice is more likely to form during rain, fog, and mist in can count on. But C&F offers something more. Our Risk Engineers can help your operation right now. cold weather, when the ground is cold and there is moisture.

Before you ever encounter a claim, our Risk Engineers 3. Black ice can form at any time, but tends to form most in can meet you and identify actual and potential loss the early morning and evening. sources. We’ll conduct a thorough study of your company that includes exposures, hazards and accident trends. Together we’ll review your current 4. Bridges and overpasses ice over before roads do loss prevention efforts, physical location, loss information because they do not have the benefit of being surrounded and other business records to pinpoint fundamental by insulating soil, which can trap warmth. They are entirely loss causes. Then we’ll create an action plan with practical exposed to the ambient temperature. recommendations to strengthen existing safety programs. We can maintain an ongoing review of it to evaluate progress and effectiveness. We 5. Black ice can form at tunnel entrances when there is a can even conduct a legal exposure review of water source nearby, such as runoff. Because tunnel your company’s agreements. Everything we interiors are not lit by sun, black ice can form on the do is aimed at putting into place an effective pavement within the tunnel if there is a source of water. loss control strategy that works consistently over time to lower your operation’s risk of loss. 6. Black ice can form in the shadows of buildings if the Our highly specialized Risk Engineers are strategically ground temperature is at or below freezing. located throughout the country and have the experience, training and professionalism to provide 7. Black ice can also form when roads are wet, but the risk management solutions to meet your business temperature suddenly drops. needs and contribute to your success. They have on average more than 20 years industry experience, many What are some signs of black ice? with roles dedicated to safety and training. And we invest not only in our insureds, but in the industry. 1. Though the environment is wet, no water sprays up from We are members of and participate in many state the tires of nearby vehicles. associations and regularly present at industry conventions and events. These connections and 2. If the pavement shows signs of darker and duller color than experience are invaluable, and are key in assisting you other parts of road, there may be black ice. in developing and deploying a modern, up-to-date safety and training program. 3. If it is misting or raining, the back of the vehicle mirrors Our solutions are both innovative and established. will start to freeze with no notable signs of water Whether it’s Accident Event Recorders (AERs) to dripping off them. help identify vehicle accident causes and tailor safety training, digital tracking systems, or online What not to do? video training to assure OSHA compliance, we 1. Do not brake hard. If there is a concern that black ice exists, bring you the latest technology. Matched with the experience of our Risk Engineers, your operation slow down and gently apply brakes before approaching an benefits from the engineering awareness built icy patch. Lift the foot off of the accelerator and glide over over a lifetime and cutting edge safety science. the ice before braking and accelerating again.

2. Don’t make any sudden movement, such as turning or changing lanes, which could cause the vehicle to skid.

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What not to do? (continued) 3. Do not tailgate. Safe following distance is essential to avoiding collisions under black ice conditions.

4. Avoid the use of cruise control in icy conditions. What to do? 1. Evaluate the weather before starting to drive. Understand road conditions before the vehicle moves.

2. Increase the following distance from vehicles ahead. Allow for reaction time and plenty of gentle braking to stop or maneuver safely.

3. Downshift to a lower gear before coming upon black ice.

4. Keep the steering wheel straight. If the vehicle starts to slide, turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.

5. Evaluate the tires and make sure the tire tread is in good condition. Have the tires and brakes evaluated prior to the winter season and maintain proper tire pressure.

6. Start out slowly.

7. Use the car thermometer only as a gauge of determining temperature and the risk for black ice, as it might not always be accurate.

8. Wear your seat belt.

9. Drive with low beam headlights even in the daytime to help make your vehicle more visible.

10. Listen to the news and weather forecasts. It’s a good way to hear of icy conditions or even accidents that could indicate icy roads.

11. Communicate internally with management and drivers to discuss the weather and road conditions.

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Any users of these training materials signify their understanding of and assent to the following: These materials are not intended to reduce a user’s burden in training personnel. Each user engaging in such training activities bears full responsibility for his, her or its own training, education and accompanying materials to ensure both the accuracy of the training and materials and compliance with all applicable local, state, and national laws and regulations. These materials are not intended to replace any training or education that users may wish or need to provide to their personnel. The companies of Crum & Forster, their directors, officers, employees, technical personnel, advisors, consultants, agents and staff (collectively, “Representatives”), shall not be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of these training materials and assume no responsibility for any use of them. In no event shall Crum & Forster or their Representatives be liable for any damages however caused and under any theory of liability arising in any way out of the use of these training materials, even if advised of the possibility of such damage. This disclaimer of liability applies to any damages or injury. Information in the training materials may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. The companies of Crum & Forster or their Representatives may make improvements and/or changes in the products, services and/or job aids described in these materials at any time without notice. These training materials are provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusion may not apply in such jurisdictions. Neither the companies of Crum & Forster nor their Representatives warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the materials, or the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the training materials.

This material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation under a policy issued by one of the companies within Crum & Forster. All conditions of coverage, terms, and limitations are defined and provided for in the policy. The C&F logo, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. Version 2.0 2016.05.18 3