"Experiencing Slips on Black Ice"... Delivery Industry Races to Prepare Cold Wave Countermeasures

Strengthening Rider Safety Amid the Cold Wave
Specialized Winter Training Includes Black Ice Driving Techniques

On the afternoon of January 20, at the Baemin Rider School in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, black ice was created on the indoor training course road as the cold wave continued for several days. This was done so that riders could directly experience how to respond to slippery road conditions in winter. More than 30 riders who participated in the training that day experienced not only black ice but also various types of slippery environments that can occur on winter roads. They also practiced how to brake safely when slipping.

Riders are receiving training at Baemin Rider School in Hanam. Woowa Brothers Corp.

The delivery industry is moving quickly to prepare countermeasures against the cold wave, as the risk of rider accidents increases with the ongoing severe cold. Both online and offline safety training for extreme cold conditions is being conducted continuously, and cold-weather gear has also been distributed to help riders endure the low temperatures.

According to Woowa Brothers on January 23, practical training on how to respond to slippery winter roads has been held every Tuesday at the Baemin Rider School since the beginning of this month. The training is characterized by creating slippery road conditions so that riders can experience firsthand how to safely operate electric two-wheelers. This training is scheduled to continue through February. Baemin is also providing online theoretical training focused on coping with extreme cold. Under the title "Everything About Riding in Extreme Cold," the lecture offers detailed information on essential vehicle inspections for winter operation, road safety rules, and cold-weather equipment.

Baemin, in cooperation with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and Emart24, is operating rest areas at about 3,000 convenience stores nationwide where riders can warm up. The company has also run campaigns to distribute snow chains and offer free tire replacements during severe weather. Supplies to help riders withstand the cold are also provided. Since 2021, Baemin has been supplying essential cold-weather gear such as winter gloves, heat packs, and handle covers free of charge, with the cumulative number of these seasonal items exceeding 500,000.

Coupang Eats also distributed cold-weather gear to riders three times last month through the Korea Platform Freelancer Labor Mutual Aid Association, so that riders could work safely and comfortably despite the cold weather. The items included winter gloves, balaclavas, and insulated shoe covers, all of which are practically helpful for winter riding. In addition, as winter brings increased risks such as snow and icy roads, the company also supported maintenance and management. Free safety inspections and consumable replacement events were held in 16 major cities nationwide, including the Seoul metropolitan area, to check brakes, tires, lighting, and steering systems.

Delivery agencies have also launched various initiatives to strengthen rider safety in response to the increased risk of accidents caused by cold waves and icy roads. Vroong recently produced a guide summarizing safe driving rules, taking into account seasonal hazards such as icy roads and snowfall. The guide focuses on immediately applicable safety tips, such as reducing speed in areas prone to icing and avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, which has reportedly improved accident prevention. An industry official stated, "With the ongoing winter cold wave, the importance of safe delivery has grown even greater," adding, "Each company will continue to strengthen on-site safety management and preventive activities to address seasonal hazards such as icy roads."