Dangerous Road Types in Winter Conditions

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When winter comes, all roads become harder to conquer. A small patch of ice on a straight road can be enough to cause an accident, if the driver is not careful enough. However, if you keep an eye on the road and a steady performance, most everyday roads are safe to maneuver on.

Today, we will take a look at a few types of roads that are best to avoid in severe winter weather. In heavy winter situations, ice and snow on the road surface disrupt the tire’s road contact, which can easily lead to accidents. This is only exacerbated by difficult roads, some of which may not be maintained.

Back Roads

The two-lane back roads may seem like a good idea to avoid the heavy trafficked interstates, but it comes with its own dangers. While you will most likely have the road to yourself, that in itself is the danger of these types of roads. Heavy traffic keeps the ice and snow melted on the road surface. Even a slushy road is better than one mostly covered with ice and/or snow. One small patch of ice can be enough for you to lose control over the vehicle, which, on a two-lane road, can spin you in front of oncoming traffic. Less traffic can also mean less help if you end up stranded or stuck.

Bridges and Overpasses

Bridges and overpasses are surrounded by cold air in winter months. Unlike roads, they freeze faster as the cold air circulates around them completely. In other words, there is no earth beneath them to keep them semi-warm, which makes them freeze before regular roads do. This leads to ice forming on the surface that can lead to tire slipping and can cause accidents.

Hillside Road and Mountain Passes

The danger again lies in ice being on the road, which on hillside roads and mountain passes can send you to your death. DO NOT attempt to drive on such roads without the proper equipment! When driving on winding roads, with lots of twists and turns, as well as inclined roads slipping on a patch of ice will quickly throw you off the road or, when driving downward, it will increase your speed. We do not need to tell you why these conditions are dangerous to drive on in the winter months. There is a reason why some mountain passes are closed for months on end when the snow is too heavy for traffic.