When the colder weather approaches and it starts to get icy, our thoughts turn to potentially dangerous driving conditions and slippery pavements. To help solve the problem rock salt is normally used to help melt ice and provide traction for vehicle wheels and underfoot.
Rock salt is carved from underground mines and is a brownish colour with a rough texture like gravel. Most of us will also know it as ‘grit’. Having adequate supplies of salt is an essential part of preparing for winter for both householders and the authorities that are in charge of our roads. To keep roads moving when it’s icy it’s vital that no-one is caught short both in terms of having adequate supplies and getting the salt down at the right times.
Rock salt, also known as halite, works by lowering the point at which moisture on the road or pavement freezes. To become effective it needs to be crushed to allow it to dissolve. It works less effectively at below minus five-degree temperatures and has little impact at below -10°C. The salt doesn’t act straight away, so the aim is to distribute it in advance before the ice begins to form. Getting accurate weather forecasts can be vital to help work out when the right time to spread the salt is.
Gritting lorries are a common sight on our roads when the temperatures start to drop, in an effort to keep Britain’s roads moving and safe for drivers. It’s also often stored in streets in grit bins so it can be easily spread on pavements.