Roadway icing is probably a huge concern for you as we approach winter, so it’s imperative you know everything about it–how to spot it, how to avoid it, and how to deal with it.
Cold weather and colder mornings are slowly coming our way. Temperatures dipping down below freezing point can mean dangerous conditions for drivers as the roads get icy. Roadway icing is probably a huge concern for you as we approach winter, so it’s imperative you know everything about it–how to spot it, how to avoid it, and how to deal with it. Read on to learn all the basics about roadway icing.
Why Does it Occur?
The most obvious answer is because of snow melting during the day and freezing overnight. But did you know it’s possible for roads to freeze over before snow even begins to fall for the season? That’s right; frost, fog, groundwater, and rain are all freezing hazards. Something like groundwater is relatively impossible to predict. However, you can prepare for frost and fog, and you should already be driving carefully in the rain. When the temperature outside drops below freezing, all of these dangerous elements can be potential roadway icing situations.
How Can You Stay Safe?
The first and most important piece of advice is to stay calm. When driving on ice, an overreaction to slipping could mean your car spinning out of control. Go slow and take your time. You should be wary of icing when the temperature is around 37 degrees, as freezing can still occur on bridges and colder pavement at this temperature. Avoid shady areas–these places can stay iced well into the day if the sun isn’t warming them. Clear skies also promote freezing, as it actually makes the air colder. Look out for all of these conditions when you set out to drive–take extra precautions with tire chains, if you must. Also, keep a bag of litter in your trunk; it will provide traction in case you get stuck!
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If you want to protect your asphalt and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your sealcoating and asphalt maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, masonry, asphalt installation, repair, and paving throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, and Flickr.
