Snow driving rules — need guidance

[Anonymous]

If we get rain overnight and some below freezing temps and then a bit more snow tomorrow with above freezing temps, does that mean the roads will be non-slippery to drive on? Is the rule that as long as we’re above 32 degrees the road isn’t slippery?

[Anonymous]

If you have to ask OP... don't drive. Especially if it's not an emergency.

[Anonymous]

It’s really not that simple as straight temp OP, it will depend on ground temp, wind, traffic frequency, amount of snow/ice you got etc. i agree with PP that if you have to ask, you shouldn’t be driving in it.

This is the kind of thing someone from maine wouldn’t need to ask because they’re experienced with driving in winter conditions. If you’re not experienced, it would be a very bad idea for you to use ‘above 32’ as a benchmark for when it’s safe for YOU to drive.

[Anonymous]

Ground temp is what matters, not air temperature.

You can definitely have ice on the roads at 40 degrees air temp if the pavement is still below freezing.

Or you can have wet pavement at 25 degrees air temp (briefly) if the ground temp is 40.

The ground temp is what determines if there is ice on the road.

Lately, ground temps are right at 33-31 degrees in most places around here.

[Anonymous]

“Around 32” is literally the worst temp to drive at because you have the potential for melt which equals black ice on overpasses, bridges, turn lanes, etc.

Remember: if the road is not dry, that wet patch could be black ice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If we get rain overnight and some below freezing temps and then a bit more snow tomorrow with above freezing temps, does that mean the roads will be non-slippery to drive on? Is the rule that as long as we’re above 32 degrees the road isn’t slippery?

No. That is most definitely not the rule. As another PP noted, what matters is ground temp, not air temp. Any time the temperatures have recently been or are currently at or near freezing, you have the potential for slick spots, including black ice.

If we have rain overnight, some below freezing temps, and then more snow, you have a HIGH likelihood of black ice. The roads are very likely to be slippery, especially on bridges or overpasses.

[Anonymous]

A good rule of thumb is that if it rained then gets very cold (freezing) STAY OFF THE ROAD. This is an ice situation. I don't care how good of a winter driver you think you are, all bets are off on ice. This also applies to roads that have been slushy during the day then freeze over night.

Cold snow is actually not bad to drive on and give you a fair amount of traction. So white roads are better than freezing rain roads.