OPP Warn Of Tricky Road Conditions In Severe Cold Weather

Spotting salt trucks on the highways shouldn’t provide a sense of security for motorists in extremely cold temperatures authorities warned after a string of accidents around the GTA following the region’s first snow storm of the season.

OPP Sgt. Cam Woolley said drivers need to be reminded that road salt doesn’t work on ice in certain temperatures.

“With the severe temperature, motorists should keep in mind that road salt is actually ineffective below (minus) 18 degrees centigrade,” Woolley warned Thursday.

“We’ve got some sun out so some parts of the highway are actually in pretty good shape, but the fact is we can still have ice and there is slush and ice on the shoulders, as well as left-turn lanes. Some of the rural roads are still very icy.”

Some 200 crashes were reported Thursday.

“I was on the 427 and there was a bit of slush and everyone had to stop suddenly and the person behind hit me,” said Jonathan Matthews, a motorist involved in one of the collisions.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation says road salt become ineffective at -12C. When temperatures are too low for salt, sand is used for traction.

Peel Police are investigating a major crash involving two transport trucks and several cars that happened Thursday morning on Hurontario near Eglinton.

The OPP closed the northbound lanes of Highway 400 at Aurora Road Thursday afternoon following a crash earlier in the day (pictured). A rig pulling a trailer loaded with reels of underground cable jackknifed just after 9am. The crash caused about 130 litres of diesel fuel to spill onto the highway. One person was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries and a second person suffered minor injuries.

The stretch of road re-opened later in the day.

And a  four-car crash on Highway 401 at Victoria Park overnight Wednesday claimed one man’s life.

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• De-icing liquids added to road salt to melt ice and snow faster. “Pre-wetted” salt also tends to stay on the road better and works at lower temperatures than dry salt alone.
• Road and weather information sensors to help staff and contractors make the best and most timely decisions on how to deal with winter conditions.
• Stationary automated anti-icing systems to prevent slippery conditions on selected bridges.
• Electronic control equipment for spreading salt and sand to ensure the correct amount is distributed.
• Real-time vehicle location systems to manage winter snow and ice control.

Here’s how the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States suggests the best ways are to deal with icy conditions:

• Use the Right Material. Stop using sand, except for low-speed intersections, curves, and hills. Use a chemical that is effective at current road surface temperatures. Consider using alternate chemicals on bridges and in source water protection areas.
• Use the Right Amount. The number one factor in applying salt is the surface temperature. Warmer roads need less salt. Consider purchasing inexpensive infrared thermometers for spreading trucks.
• Apply at the Right Place. Put salt down where it will do most good. Hills, curves/corners, shaded sections of road, bridges, etc., need special attention. A section of road with a surface temp below -23 degrees Celsius won’t benefit from rock salt. Use another chemical instead. Designate sensitive areas as low or no salt zones.
• Apply at the Right Time. Apply as early as possible! Obtain and use the most up-to-date weather forecasts. Don’t wait until snow is falling to get started. It takes much more salt to melt accumulated snow than it does to prevent accumulation. Factor in expected traffic, approaching day/night change in temperatures, etc. Brine can be applied very early, forming a bond with the road that can be effective for days in the right conditions.

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