Did you know that commercial property owners are liable for motor vehicle collisions and personal injuries that occur in their parking lots? During the winter months, the risk for motor vehicle accidents in parking lots increases thanks in large part to the ice, snow, and low visibility conditions that are common in Ontario.
Fortunately, installing speed humps can significantly mitigate these risks. Paired with professional snow and ice removal services, they form part of an essential winter safety arsenal, specifically designed to tackle these demanding conditions.
A recent study found that a staggering 92% of permanent speed humps were successful in slowing down speeds during the harsh winter months. Furthermore, even under severe local weather conditions, about 79% of the speed humps tested, showed no signs of wear or tear.
Investing in speed humps not only helps enhance the safety and security of your parking lot but also proves to be an economically and ecologically sound choice. Keep reading to learn why.
Understanding the Winter Hazards in Parking Lots
It’s important to understand the winter hazards that can emerge in parking lots. Old Man Winter can create potentially dangerous conditions by coating parking lots with ice and snow, particularly during periods of intense cold. These slick surfaces can significantly increase the risk of skidding and slipping.
Another challenge introduced by winter weather is low visibility. Weather conditions such as fog, snow, and freezing rain can reduce a driver’s ability to see, exacerbating the blind spots in a vehicle. The shorter daylight hours that come with the winter months also contribute to this reduced visibility.
Furthermore, during these cold months, snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures can elevate the safety risks for both drivers and pedestrians. The ground conditions can contribute to an increase in personal injuries and collisions.
Adding to the complexity are the challenges presented by winter speed management. Weather conditions can hinder the ability to uphold normal speed limits, particularly in high-traffic areas like parking lots. Consequently, property owners must establish speed management procedures to ensure the safety of all users.
Why Speed Humps Are Beneficial in Winter Parking Lots
- Reduces Vehicle Speeds on Slippery Surfaces: Freshly fallen snow can cover icy spots in parking lots. Speed humps force drivers to be cautious and can prevent skidding and loss of control around slick areas.
- Improves Pedestrian Safety: Both sunny winter days and stormy conditions can decrease visibility for drivers. Installing traffic calming measures, which reduce speed limits through your parking lot, helps drivers to be more alert of potential collisions.
- Encourages Cautious Driving in Poor Weather: Winter often features poor weather conditions that make driving difficult. Having speed humps installed at key locations throughout a parking lot reminds motorists to slow down.
Key Considerations for Installing Speed Humps in the Winter
- Material Selection for Durability: Ontario winters can be harsh with an abundance of snow, ice, salt, and extreme cold. As a result, it is important to use winter-resistant materials such as asphalt or rubber when installing speed humps.
- Strategic Placement: For the best results, speed humps should be installed near high-traffic areas such as entrances and exits, pedestrian crossings, and sharp turns located throughout a parking lot.
- Visibility Enhancements for Winter Conditions: The winter season sees less daylight. Reflective paint, warning signs, or LED lighting paired with speed humps can ensure they are visible to motorists.
- Adequate Maintenance: Parking lot speed humps require low maintenance year-round. Snow and ice that accumulates should be removed from the speed humps to ensure better visibility, safety, and durability.
Additional Winter Safety Measures to Pair with Speed Humps
- Snow and Ice Removal: To increase the safety and security of your property, regular snow and ice removal is needed. Professional snow-clearing services consider parking lots a top priority.
- Clear Signage for Winter Conditions: Proper signage in your parking lot can help alert motorists that they need to slow down. Strategically placing the signs also prepares drivers before they come in contact with the speed humps.
- Proper Lighting: To increase the visibility of speed humps, it is recommended to have adequate lighting installed throughout your parking lot for safer navigation. Adding specialized LED lights that activate a flashing or steady beam can improve visibility.
- Painting and Reflective Markings: Installing speed humps with reflective markings or reflective paint increases the visibility at night and during snowy or foggy weather conditions.
The Benefits of Installing Speed Humps in Your Parking Lot Year-Round
- Consistent Speed Control: While speeding vehicles are dangerous in all seasons, winter conditions increase the risk of collisions and personal injuries. It is important to maintain safe speeds at crossings, intersections, and entrances/exits to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians.
- Long-Term Safety Investment: The cost of the one-time installation is offset by the low maintenance costs and the peace of mind knowing that everyone who steps foot on your property is safe. Traffic-calming speed humps force drivers to slow down, making them a great long-term investment.
- Minimizes Liability Risks for Property Owners: Since speed humps are designed to slow the flow of traffic, commercial property owners can reduce the risk of liability claims. Plus, a safer property boosts the customer experience!
Also Read: Top 5 Factors to Consider Before Installing Speed Bumps on Asphalt Pavement
Enhance Your Parking Lot Safety This Winter with Sure-Seal’s Speed Hump Solutions!
Improve safety on your commercial property this winter with Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. As the GTA’s leading pavement maintenance contractor, we can install speed humps on your property and offer many other affordable solutions to improve the safety, security, and appearance of your parking lot year-round.
Learn more about our parking lot safety measures and our professional asphalt services by contacting us to schedule a free onsite consultation.