It happens every year and every year it surprises us, catching us off guard. We are, of course, talking about the winter season and the host of winter weather problems it brings.
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.
The first winter storm of the season often catches many of us by surprise. Soon most of us will have had our first big burst of winter weather. The snow-covered roads and plow trucks are an obvious indicator that we should be vigilant while driving. But what about when ice is present without these visual cues? Black ice is the winter threat many of us fail to observe until it’s too late.
Not so long ago, we saw on the roads these trucks that kept the landscapes and green spaces alive. These vehicles equipped with several equipment and accessories that cut the trees or maintained the road, change now from another equipment’s. The snow plows take place to clear away these new roads, which will become snow-covered and ice-free.
When winter strikes, the conscious driver prepares for increasing traction in case of icy and slippery roads. Some bring a sandbag and a shovel while others gear up with a set of snow chains. Still, others have automatic snow chains mounted on their vehicle, so there is no need at all for special preparation. All these drivers rely on mechanical principles for increasing traction. But, are there no other options? Let’s dive into the world of chemical de-icing of roads.
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?
In rescue operations the time required to arrive on site from the moment of the first call is a critical measure of effectiveness. First responders work tirelessly to reduce response time which means more lives are saved and injuries can be tended to before they become life threatening.
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.
The Driver is in control
We live in the era of automation. Have you ever thought of all the things that used to need a lot of human involvement, but today are seemingly automatic? Buying things for example. We have access to a global supply of products and services that are just a few clicks away, and we get our deliveries with very little human involvement. It’s different systems that communicate and automate that provide this convenience.
In your profession, driving a vehicle is not just a mode of transportation, it’s one of the tools that allows you to save lives. As such, your vehicle must be equipped with the best equipment to get the job done.