Snowy, slushy, and icy pavement injures more than 116,000 Americans and kills over 1,300 each year. When winter hits, preparedness saves lives—and money. Sensible salting can reduce highway crashes by 80% and injuries by 85%, while proactive anti‑icing keeps roads open and commerce moving. Below are practical, research‑backed steps for motorists, snowfighters, and public officials.

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Slow down and increase following distance. On ice, leave 8–10 seconds of space.
• Look and steer where you want to go. Brake and accelerate gently to avoid skids.
• Clear all glass, mirrors, lights, and roof. Snow blow‑off is dangerous and illegal in many places.
• Use winter tires. They dramatically cut stopping distance on cold pavement.
• Keep a kit: phone charger, blanket, shovel, abrasive (sand or kitty litter), scraper, flashlight, flares/reflective triangles, and snacks.
• Watch for plows. Give snowplows plenty of room—never pass on the right, and expect sudden turns or overlapping passes.
• Check conditions before you go. Use state DOT alerts and weather apps. If roads are closed, don’t drive around barricades.

Sensible Salting and How Salt Works

• Pre‑treat (anti‑ice) before storms. A light brine prevents the bond between snow/ice and pavement, making plowing faster and safer.
• Right material, right time, right place. Calibrated spreaders and weather‑informed application minimize waste and maximize safety.
• Temperature matters. Sodium chloride works best near 20–30°F. Below that, consider blends or abrasives based on local policy and environmental needs.
• Plow early, plow often. Mechanical removal is the foundation; salt is the helper, not the hero.
• Balance safety and environment. Apply only what’s needed to reach bare‑pavement targets for priority routes.

Protecting Pavement and Concrete

There is a balance between keeping roads safe and reducing long‑term harm to concrete and asphalt. Deicers can intensify freeze–thaw cycles and, if misused, contribute to scaling or surface distress.

Expert insight: advise from Adrian Cruz

• Seal and winterize surfaces: Adrian Cruz, owner of Columbus Concrete Co. recommends high‑quality sealers before the first freeze to reduce moisture penetration.
• Use the right deicer: Avoid products labeled for “instant melt” if they contain aggressive chemicals not suited for driveways or new concrete. Follow manufacturer guidance—especially for concrete less than one year old.
• Shovel first, then deice: Mechanical removal reduces how much chemical is needed and limits surface contact time.
• Rinse in thaws: When temperatures rise, rinse residual salt from driveways and walkways to minimize cumulative effects.
• Repair promptly: Fill cracks before winter to prevent water ingress and freeze–thaw damage.

For Snowfighters and Public Officials

• Calibrate equipment at the start of the season and after any maintenance.
• Use pavement temperature sensors and forecasts to guide timing and rates.
• Prioritize routes to keep emergency services and freight moving; every hour of closure can cost states up to $700 million per day in aggregate impacts.
• Train teams on anti‑icing, application rates, and environmental best practices.
• Communicate with the public about storm timing, plow progress, and safe following distances around equipment.

Quick Checklist

• Motorists: Slow, space, winter tires, clear visibility, emergency kit.
• Snowfighters: Anti‑ice early, plow first, calibrated applications.
• Officials: Data‑driven plans, funding for proactive operations, transparent communication.

Call to Action

• Motorists: Visit our Motorists page to learn how to research and advocate for safe winter roads in your community.
• Snowfighters: See tips and resources on our Snowfighters page to stay informed and connected.
• Public Officials: Explore our Public Officials page for reliable, sourced information to guide budget and policy decisions.