If they came before hand (after being warned of what's coming), they could have a head start and the ice wouldn't have a chance to "pave the roads" with ice, because as soon as the freezing rain fell it would start getting eaten. Then tada, the snow at least has holes in it to start with.
2007-12-02 02:28:02 · 6 answers · asked by J.D. 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Which would you have them waste if they think the roads might get icy? Remember, ice on roads after snow (not freezing rain), is caused by traffic, mainly impatient and untrained drivers. That is why it gets so much worse at intersections with stop signs and traffic lights. That traffic will toss most of a de-icer off the road if it is applied before the snow falls. Besides, the bulk of the snow has to be removed before salt, sand or anything else is applied. If the material is on the road first, the snow plows will just scrape it away and pollute water and kill plants.
Chloride (NACL) can become a pollutant of the water supply if large quantities of common salt are used or stored without protection. Salt is effective as an ice melter only above + 15º F.
Calcium chloride (CACL2) tends to attract moisture from the air even after ice is melted, and will therefore cause pavements to remain moist. It is effective at temperatures to -20º F.
Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a fertilizer occasionally used for melting ice. It is destructive to concrete and corrosive to steel.
Urea (CO(NH2)2) is also an ice melter. It does not cause damage to concrete, but is relatively expensive. It can “burn” plants if applied too heavily. It is effective at temperatures above + 15º F.
2007-12-02 09:31:21 · answer #1 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
D.O.T. has a budget, if they put down the salt and nothing happens to need it then they will not have the salt they need when something does happen. How often is the waether guy correct in your area? Secondly, usually at night temperatures drop below freezing when it snows everything that melted from the salt being on the roads will then turn to ice. This will cause many accidents in the morning when everyone is on their way to work or whatever. It is a lot easier to drive in the snow as opposed to on the ice. If you do not mind paying more taxes to allow the county or city you live in to have a larger supply of salt on hand for any possibility of snow, then you need to get intouch with your representatives about it.
2007-12-02 02:39:24 · answer #2 · answered by splash 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive lived in the snowbelt for many years - 90% of the time i wish theyd sand instead of salting ( thats why everyones cars up there rot away from all the salt) - they should salt only hills and intersections. A good tip for winter driving: have some weight in the vehicle, and have a decent set of tires , basically thats it. You have to have a 'feel' for how your vehicle handles in the snow/ice.
Having 'holes' in the ice makes no difference if theres like more then a few inches of snow deposited - once the roads cool off at nite- theyll freeze reguardless- no amount of salt will thaw it.
2007-12-03 01:20:15 · answer #3 · answered by The Kidd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rain would melt the salt, rendering it useless. Then the ice sheet would form anyway. Salt needs to be put over ice to work. It would be a huge waste of time and money, not to mention extra sodium pollution for no reason.
2007-12-02 02:43:44 · answer #4 · answered by ThisJustin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you're in the wrong state. In MIssouri they apply salt brine before a forcasted ice or snow storm and get a head start on it.
2007-12-02 05:10:39 · answer #5 · answered by bikinkawboy 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some times they do if they know what's coming. I guess it depends on where you live and how smart the guy making the decisions is.
2007-12-02 02:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by Jay 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋