“Have you ever wondered ” why are there lines on the road?” The city does an anti-icing, pretreatment and de-icing. So, when you see the lines know that there is possible snow or an ice storm coming up.t
• Pre-treatment – A form of anti-icing where chemicals are applied to the road up to 48 hours before a winter storm to prevent a bond from forming between the pavement and the snow and ice when the storm starts.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL VDOT(Virginia Department of Transportaion) USE ANTI-ICING?
VDOT may use anti-icing when snow or an ice storm is predicted and when pavement temperatures are above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Anticipated temperature and type of precipitation at the start of a storm will determine its use. VDOT’s anti-icing program covers at least 200 miles of roads in each of its nine districts. VDOT also deploys anti-icing crews to major bridges, overpasses and areas prone to freezing to keep ice from forming.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DRIVE UP ON A VDOT ANTI-ICING TRUCK? Anti-icing equipment will appear all across the commonwealth this year. If you see an anti-icing crew spraying chemicals on the road, slow down. For proper application, crews will be driving slower than highway speeds. Do not follow the trucks too closely, as the chemicals are slightly slippery for the first 30 to 45 seconds they are on the pavement. If you must pass an anti-icing truck, do so carefully. It is a good idea to wash your vehicle if it comes into contact with these chemicals to protect its finish.
WHAT IS BLACK ICE? Black ice, also known as “glare ice” or “clear ice,” refers to a thin coating of glazed ice on road. While not truly black, it is transparent, allowing you to see the asphalt pavement through it. Black ice often occurs along with wet roads, making it hard to see and especially hazardous for driving or walking.
WHAT AREAS ARE MORE PRONE TO HAVE ICE? Ice can form sooner on the decks of bridges and overpasses before it does on the roadway because air can circulate both above and below the surface of the elevated roadway, causing the pavement temperature to drop more rapidly. Ice can also form in shaded areas. Motorists should always use caution and expect slippery conditions when driving during winter weather.
#Ice #Storms #WinterDriving #Safety