There are approximately 156,164 auto accidents caused by icy roads each year, with these accidents killing around 1,800 and injuring more than 135,000 people. Overall, around 17% of crashes happen in snowy weather.
Many winter-weather collisions are caused by black ice, which is a transparent frozen layer that forms on the road that may not be visible to drivers while traveling. Other dangerous winter driving hazards include sudden snowstorms that can destroy a driver's visibility and sleet that can quickly turn roads slick.
Winter weather can be particularly risky for business owners who rely on drivers and commercial vehicles for their day-to-day operations. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are around 1,000 injury crashes in the snow each year involving large trucks (over 10,000 lbs.). Larger vehicles take longer to brake than their smaller counterparts — an issue which is only amplified when roads are slick. The inability to stop can lead to pile-ups and other escalated incidents that leave even more injuries or fatalities.
"Winter driving requires heightened awareness and preparation to protect drivers, vehicles, and cargo." Said Michael Fackler, technical director of transportation risk control at Travelers. "At Travelers, we emphasize leadership commitment to strong vehicle maintenance, clear communication, and the thoughtful use of technology when managing winter conditions. When organizations take a proactive, disciplined approach, they reduce risk and set the tone for safer, more resilient operations throughout the season."
In the slideshow above, we offer five tips for how businesses can prepare their drivers and vehicles for safe winter travels, courtesy of Travelers.
(Photo credit: Artic_photo/Shutterstock.com)
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