Benefits 
Decreased Accidents
A recent study commissioned by Cargill found no weather related accidents at all nine test sites using SafeLane ™ Surface Overlay during the winter of 2005-2006.
Before SafeLane overlay = 35 winter weather accidents (combined yearly average for nine sites)
After SafeLane overlay: = 0 winter weather accidents (2005-2006)
Read complete report. »
Increased Traction
On roadways susceptible to frost, black ice and freeze events, the SafeLane™ overlay minimizes the formation of these hazards, and helps to keep snow from bonding to the road surface.
SafeLane overlay technology improves safety year round by increasing surface friction
- Bald tire skid tests – 58 to 60 after installation
- After three years - high 40’s to mid 50’s
- Surface is renewable and repairable
Research indicates SafeLane overlay will provide 15+ years of superior friction.
Studies also show SafeLane™ overlay traction to be as good as concrete.
Prolonged Bridge Life
The epoxy in SafeLane™ overlay reduces chemical wear on a bridge structure by blocking chloride and water intrusion.
The Virginia Transportation Research Council’s Michael Sprinkel, a national expert in the design, construction and evaluation of epoxy overlays, notes that SafeLane™ overlay provides all the benefits of standard epoxy overlays. “However,” Sprinkel adds, “the specific aggregate-chemical combination in SafeLane™ overlay has the additional benefit of minimizing snow and ice-related crashes as well.”
Less Spending On Maintenance Chemicals
“On the basis of the observations made during the 2005-06 winter, SafeLane™ overlay provides benefits in both safety and mobility under winter storm conditions, and those benefits may be attained with less chemical than would be needed for highway segments without the overlay,” concludes an analysis of SafeLane’s 2005-2006 winter performance by leading ice and snow control authority Wilfred Nixon.
The report, commissioned by Cargill, also notes of the Ironwood Bridge, South Bend, Indiana, “…superior performance was achieved on the test section with only 50% of the chemical used on the control section. This is a significant saving of chemicals, and will have both cost benefits and environmental benefits.”
Reduced Pavement Maintenance
Premature deterioration of concrete structures puts a tremendous financial burden on many transportation agencies and can indirectly place motorists at risk. The SafeLane™ overlay reduces and, in some cases, can eliminate the freeze-thaw cycle that causes premature concrete deterioration.
Reduced Environmental Impact
A major concern in using chemicals for winter road maintenance is environmental impact. Studies show that soils, vegetation, water, highway facilities and vehicles are all affected, so it is very important to use chemicals wisely.
As noted above, some DOT’s report superior performance on SafeLane overlay test sites with half the chemical used on control sections.
Labor Costs and Decreased Equipment
Because chemical treatments are no longer needed during every frost event, expensive call-outs and overtime are required less often, and equipment usage is reduced.
Reduces Reliance on Weather Forecasting
Because of the pavement’s ability to store anti-icing chemicals, crews treat on their schedule, not the weather’s.
Reduces Frequency of Treating Isolated Structures
The SafeLane™ overlay sites can be treated with deicer less frequently, as little as once per month depending upon environment.