Winter can be a beautiful season with its bright white snow and snow-covered trees. But it can also be dangerous, especially if you have to drive on snow-covered roads. Snowy and icy roads can significantly reduce traction, causing you to lose control of your vehicle and putting yourself and others on the road at risk. Fortunately, winter sanding services can help keep you safe and improve traction on snowy roads.
What is winter sanding, and how does it work?
Winter sanding is the process of spreading sand, rock chips, or a sand and salt mixture onto roads, parking lots, and sidewalks, to improve traction in winter conditions. The sand provides a rough surface that enhances traction, while salt lowers the freezing point of water and helps melt snow and ice. Winter sanding is usually done by snow removal companies or municipalities and requires specialized equipment, such as sand spreaders and plows. Winter sanding is typically done on high-traffic roads, bridges, and steep inclines, but it’s also a suitable option for business parking lots.
What are the benefits of winter sanding?
Winter sanding provides several benefits, including:
- Improved traction on snowy and icy roads.
- Reduced risk of accidents caused by slipping and sliding.
- Reduced wear and tear on vehicles.
- Lower cost compared to other methods, such as liquid de-icers.
- Environmentally-friendly options.
By improving traction on snowy roads, winter sanding helps you stay safe while driving during the winter season. It can also prevent potential collisions caused by sliding or losing control of your vehicle.
Why is winter sanding necessary?
Winter sanding is necessary when roads or lots are covered in snow or ice and can be dangerous for drivers. It’s usually done after a snowstorm or ice storm, especially when freezing rain is at play or temperatures drop below freezing.
Before employing sanding services, it is essential to consult weather forecasts. Additionally, home and business owners seeking services like winter sanding can contact their local snow removal company for their expert recommendations.
How to stay safe while driving on snowy roads?
Winter sanding can enhance the safety of driving on snowy and icy roads, but it is still essential to drive cautiously.
Some tips include:
- Reduce your speed and give yourself more time to stop.
- Increase your following distance.
- Keep your headlights on.
- Don’t use cruise control.
- Avoid sudden maneuvers, such as quick turns or hard braking.
- Use winter tires or all-season tires for better traction.
Conclusion:
Winter sanding is an effective way to improve traction and stay safe while driving on snowy and icy roads. There are many benefits to winter sanding services, such as reducing the risk of accidents and lowering maintenance costs for your vehicle. When done correctly, winter sanding ensures safe driving conditions for all road users. We recommend consulting your local snow removal company in planning for winter sanding to ensure that you stay safe and secure during the harsh winter season.
The first major snowfall is just around the corner. Book your winter sanding service with Earth and Turf today!