When temperatures drop and roads become slick with rain, snow, or ice, vehicle accidents rise dramatically. Each winter, thousands of property owners face costly damage as cars slide out of control and collide with storefronts, sidewalks, or pedestrian areas. Even skilled drivers can lose control when black ice, rainwater, or compacted snow reduces tire traction.
Parking lots, drive-through lanes, and building approaches quickly become danger zones—especially near entrances and walkways where pedestrians gather. A single minor slip can send a vehicle into store fronts, utility structures, or pedestrians standing nearby.
That’s where bollards come in. These sturdy barriers absorb and redirect vehicle impact before it reaches vulnerable areas. For retail centers, gas stations, charging stations, and restaurants, bollards provide year-round peace of mind, but their protection becomes especially critical during winter.
Low-Speed Crash-Tested Protection
Even at parking-lot speeds, sliding vehicles can cause serious harm. Low-speed crash-tested bollards, such as those rated under ASTM F3016, are engineered and tested to stop vehicles traveling at speeds typical in driveways, storefronts, and pedestrian areas.
These bollards provide a proven safety measure that helps property owners reduce damage, liability, and injury—especially when icy conditions make braking unreliable.
Built to Withstand Harsh Winter Environments
Winter is hard on everything outdoors, especially metal. Salt, slush, and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate corrosion, making material selection critical.
- Type 316 Stainless Steel: Ideal for coastal, high-salt, or cold regions, this grade offers superior corrosion resistance and a polished, architectural finish that resists pitting and rusting.
- Carbon Steel: A durable, cost-effective choice that performs well when paired with a powder-coated finish. Powder coating not only protects the steel from corrosion but also allows for bright, high-visibility colors that help drivers see barriers clearly in low-light or snowy conditions.
Where Bollards Make the Biggest Difference
Some environments face higher risks during the winter season due to traffic flow, proximity to pedestrians, or reduced visibility. Bollards can make a significant impact in these key areas:
- Storefronts & Shopping Centers: Protect entrances, glass walls, and sidewalks from vehicles that lose traction in icy parking lots.
- Drive-Through Lanes: Prevent side-swipe or overrun damage where vehicles navigate tight turns on slippery pavement.
- Gas Stations & EV Charging Areas: Separate fueling zones and charging stations from active traffic, reducing collision risk.
- Parking Lots & Garages: Define pedestrian walkways, protect equipment, and reduce accidental collisions with columns and walls.
- Public Buildings & Schools: Enhance pedestrian safety in drop-off zones where winter congestion and slick surfaces create hazards.
In every scenario, bollards serve as both a physical safeguard and a visual cue, guiding vehicles safely even when weather conditions are unpredictable.
The Bottom Line: Prepare Before the Storm
When it comes to winter safety, prevention is everything. Installing low-speed crash-tested bollards made from Type 316 stainless steel or powder-coated carbon steel ensures your property stays protected, visible, and professional-looking, no matter what the weather brings.
Protect people, property, and peace of mind all season long with 1-800-BOLLARDS, your partner in perimeter security and winter-ready solutions.