How will winter road maintenance materials affect driving conditions?
In making winter road conditions safer, the application of anti-icing and de-icing materials can create some road conditions that require particular attention on the part of motorists. Because liquid road treatments lower the freezing point of moisture on the road, travelers should be prepared for wet conditions.
It is recommended that motorists carry plenty of windshield wiper fluid in order to clear away any backsplash from the roadway. Additionally, all drivers are reminded to obey posted speed limits with extra care on wet roads and to observe speed advisory plaques posted on curve warning signs.
In fact, even the posted speed limit usually is too fast during adverse weather conditions. When liquid anti-icers and de-icers are applied, the road will be wet. Remember, when a roadway is wet for any reason, traction is reduced and the chance of hydroplaning increases.