Winter weather conditions cause icy roads and walkways, leading to dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. At times, these dangerous conditions may result in fatality, thus the need to act immediately.
So, how is this problem addressed? By the use of deicers.
How Do Deicers Work?
A deicer is a substance that melts or prevents the formation of ice. It does so by lowering the freezing point of water. It also prevents the bonding of ice with the roads and other paved surfaces. According to a study by Marquette University, deicing a road with bulk salt reduces accidents and injuries by 88 percent and 85 percent respectively.
Here are the benefits of using salt deicers.
- Safer for Pedestrians
The presence of snow and ice on the sidewalk is a safety hazard. It increases the risk of slips and falls. And while the homeowner bears the responsibility of clearing ice and snow from the sidewalk in front of their lot, the laws may vary from one state to the other. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb, homeowners should strive to have ice and snow removed from their driveway, walkway and sidewalk as soon as possible once the snow begins to fall.
Unfortunately, clearing falling snow isn’t easy. No matter the effort you employ, some will be left behind. At times, the snow may fall faster than you’re clearing. That’s where salt comes to play, it lowers down the melting temperature of ice allowing it to melt away. This creates a safer walking environment for pedestrians visiting your house.
- Reduces The Number of Accidents
Yes, the roads have been cleared of the existing ice or snow. But that’s not all! Bulk salt can be used to effectively melt all the snow and ice that’s left behind.
Clearing the roadways of snow and ice reduces the risk of vehicle collisions and accidents. All this acts to save the lives of people.
- Ease of Use
Depending on your age, health status and body shape, shoveling maybe a bigger task for you than others. That’s okay! People who are physically fit and in good health may find shoveling the snow an easy task, that’s not the case for the elderly and those with physical limitations.
With the help of deicing salt, you’ll give your body a well-deserving break while ensuring that your driveway, sidewalk, and walkway is safer and clear for people to walk across.
- Save on Money
Deicing requires some few bags of salt per season, depending on the surface area to cover and the frequency of using it. Now compare this with the cost of compensating a pedestrian slipping and falling outside your home. You can see that the costs are greatly reduced.
Conclusion
Winter is already here. For people in Northern Latitudes, you know what this means: ice and snow. And while walking in this weather and season can be fun, slipping and sliding may result in some nasty injuries. You don’t want this to happen. That’s the reason for using a salt deicer. It lowers the freezing point and prevents bonding between the iced water and the road surface.
