The automatic snow chains are genius when you encounter adverse road conditions in the colder seasons. With just a flip of a switch you have instant traction added so that you can get up in speed or if you need to stop, you get improved braking power. But what about the rest of the year, when you are not in the winter season? In the middle of the summer or in autumn?
Getting a grip – what is the best option?
The school bus of today has come a long way from buses of the past. A whole host of features ranging from tracking equipment, on board cameras, and seat belts are just a few features that can be found inside its signature yellow exterior. This technology is designed to improve both driver function and student safety. Rightfully so as thousands of these vehicles carry students of all ages from home to school and back again.
My position as Western Regional Sales Manager for Onspot gives me the opportunity to meet with fleet managers in my territory. Whether I am at a trade show or at the customers location providing training or a fleet review these individuals always talk about challenges that come up and how they are resolved.
Experienced driver or beginner, driving on snowy and icy roads is a risky situation for everyone. These risks, however,can be reduced by applying the following advice.
We should pay special attention to bridges and overpasses when driving in temperatures around the freezing point. Over the years we have heard that bridges may be icy while the road is not. We have also seen signs posted before bridges and overpasses which state this for safety reasons. This condition however is an important one that should be given some consideration. So how could the bridge be icy when the road is not? Here’s why.
There are times while working the booth at a trade show that people will tell me they are considering the Onspot automatic tire chain system, but are also considering 4X4 as well. When purchasing a new vehicle, 4x4 is a common option to consider. No wonder, since it’s a familiar and well-tried solution with good features for safer driving, but it is also easy to ignore its weaknesses and believe that there is no better alternative.
Friction and traction are key to avoid sliding vehicles and spinning wheels.
Friction is defined as the rubbing of one object or surface against another. The friction between your vehicles’ tires and the road will determine maximum acceleration and minimum stopping distance. The force of friction depends on the force pushing the objects or surfaces together and the coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction is the relationship between the force required to move the surfaces against each other and the pressure to stay in contact while in motion.
Which is the perfect road surface treatment to increase traction?
To keep transportation – and society – running, authorities have different strategies for keeping roads open and driveable in harsh winter conditions. Snowplows keep the snow masses away from the road, and often some kind of surface treatment is used to increase traction when roads are icy and unsafe. But, which is the perfect road surface treatment? The simple answer is... None! Every method of surface treatment is a compromise between effectiveness, cost, handling and side effects. Let's have a look at some methods.
It is always a great feeling when we hear true stories from our customers especially when lives are saved. The following story was related to us recently about an incident witnessed by then-Assistant Chief Raymond Urich, Jr. of the Fisherville Volunteer Fire Company #1 in Halifax, PA. Fisherville is a community located in a mountainous area of Pennsylvania about 35 miles north of Harrisburg PA.