How to Make Roads Safer in Winter
Keeping roads safe in winter has always been a challenge. For all the effort and steps taken by provinces and municipalities across Canada, hazards are still present, with snow and ice ruling the day.
Turns are more difficult to take, even driving in a straight line can cause a vehicle to lose control and possibly cause a collision in the wrong circumstances.
Here are some strategies to make roads safer in winter to combat the ongoing risks:
1. Clear Road Markings
Before winter sets in, use durable, reflective paint to make clear road markings. Reapply markings regularly to keep visibility even in winter.
Drivers unfamiliar with the roads they are driving on can drift into other lanes or off-road without knowing until it’s too late. Provide clear guidance with visible markings that reinforce proper lane positioning.
2. Salt Brine for Roads
A liquid salt and water sprayed over the road can prevent ice and snow from sticking to the pavement. Salt brine for roads does this. It should be applied at most 48 hours before a winter storm.
The brine will dry on the road as it’s distributed and then activate when it comes in contact with moisture. The result is the safest possible road for winter driving.
3. Why Pre-Treatment Is Essential
After ice is formed, it’s much more difficult to clear the roads. Pre-treatment is much easier to apply and prevents ice from bonding to the surface. When snow does fall, it requires less time and effort to remove.
Ploughs can move faster. The roads remain safer before, during, and after the winter snowstorm. This is why pre-treatment is essential.
4. Inspect and Repair Road Infrastructure
Complete a road analysis. Evaluate your infrastructure to diagnose cracks and damages that require immediate repair. A part of this is also to ensure proactive maintenance is done to reduce flooding and ice build-up and to implement drainage solutions.
While road repair is typically avoided in winter, it’s a must if it can make streets safer.
The following are common road repairs done in winter:
- Pothole patching using cold mix asphalt.
- Crack sealing to prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.
- Culvert cleaning to remove debris and ensure proper water flow.
- Address localized areas of ice build-up.
5. Encourage Use of Winter Tires
Winter tires are a highly effective strategy for adding traction to a vehicle and reducing skidding on icy, snowy roads. Encourage drivers to switch to winter tires for the season. Consider partnering with local tire shops to supply discounts to incentivize adoption.
For municipalities with the budget for this type of initiative, it directly impacts a driver’s ability to grip the road and brake in time.
6. Launch a Winter Driving Awareness Campaign
Educate your public about winter driving techniques. Send out flyers or emails. For first-time drivers or residents who have not driven in winter conditions before, a winter driving awareness campaign can help share safety tips.
Include details on how to brake gently, proper following distance, and proper technique when a vehicle starts to slide.
7. Implement Smart Traffic Systems
A lot more can be done to control the traffic flow in winter, including introducing smart traffic systems. Implement sensors to monitor road conditions. Adjust traffic signals based on conditions.
Use traffic cameras to detect accidents and dispatch emergency services. Use traffic cameras to monitor speed and issue tickets to slow traffic in key areas throughout winter.
8. Craft Efficient Snowplough Schedules
Create the most efficient snowplough routes, ensuring critical areas are promptly treated first. Monitor snow accumulation in real time and ensure ploughs are deployed properly throughout a storm.
Proactively address roads to ensure they remain passable even in the face of heavy snow.
9. Ensure Remote Areas Are Handled
While high-traffic areas are a priority, remote roads must be handled safely and efficiently. Adequate snowplough scheduling and salt brine spread must factor in these remote roads.
The distribution strategy for services must ensure equal access to keep all roads in your community safe.
10. Enhance Road Lighting
Ensure drivers can see the road even when it is covered in snow. Bright, energy-efficient lights should be installed at intersections, crosswalks, and highways. Address high-risk collision points across your region’s streets to decrease night-time accidents.
Note poorly lit areas where accidents are more prevalent to understand better where lighting may be required.
11. Analyse Road Signage Placement
Observe analytics of winter-related motor vehicle accidents. Evaluate the safety of roads during winter. Ensure reflective signage visible in low-light conditions is set on key roads.
Add signage in areas with a higher risk of icy patches, sharp turns, and steep inclines.
Keeping Communities Safe Throughout the Season
Winter road safety requires a proactive and multifaceted approach, combining preventive treatments, infrastructure maintenance, driver education, and smart technology. While no single solution can eliminate all risks, implementing these strategies collectively can significantly enhance road safety during the colder months.
By investing in clear road markings, pre-treatment measures, and efficient snowplough scheduling, municipalities can keep roads passable and reduce accidents. Encouraging winter tire use and launching awareness campaigns further equip drivers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate icy conditions.
As winter weather continues to pose challenges, ongoing improvements and innovations in road safety will be key to keeping communities safe throughout the season.
