How to drive safely during freezing rain on motorways ?
Freezing rain, also known as supercooled rain, is a dangerous weather phenomenon, feared because it is unpredictable, fleeting, and highly localized. Freezing rain warnings issued by Météo France are taken very seriously by motorway operators, who put their field teams on high alert. Indeed, nothing can prevent the ground from freezing during freezing rain: neither preventative salting nor the vigilance of the teams. It is only once the rain has fallen that the teams can intervene. Therefore, it is important that drivers follow specific safety instructions.
Freezing rain: what is it?
Freezing rain is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs during transitional periods when a thaw follows a period of cold. Rain turns to ice upon contact with the ground or a frozen object, such as a vehicle's windshield.
This process is both complex and rare, characterized by its brevity, its extremely localized nature, and its unpredictability. Its danger lies in the sudden formation of slippery surfaces, making roads and sidewalks particularly hazardous. This rapid transformation of rain into ice requires increased vigilance from road users and meteorological services to anticipate and respond effectively to these icy episodes.
What are the consequences of freezing rain on the road?
Freezing rain creates extremely hazardous driving conditions, significantly impacting road safety:
- Reduced Visibility: The windshield can quickly become opaque when rain freezes on the glass, obstructing the driver's view. Windshield wipers, if trapped in ice, lose their effectiveness.
- Reduced Traction: Even vehicles equipped with winter tires are not immune to the rapid formation of a layer of ice on the road, which reduces traction and increases the risk of skidding.
- Unexpected Obstacles: Ice formation can create sudden obstacles, such as broken tree branches or downed power lines, increasing the risk of accidents.
More Difficult Emergency Responses: Emergency services may have difficulty reaching accident scenes due to ice, delaying life-saving assistance.
To cope with these conditions, it is advisable to adopt a rigorous driving style and to remain constantly attentive to traffic conditions and weather information.
What to do in case of freezing rain while driving?
When driving in freezing rain, caution and preparation are essential. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers:
- Turn on your hazard lights: Warning other drivers of potential danger allows them to adjust their speed and maintain a safe following distance.
- Slow down carefully: Reduce your speed and avoid sudden maneuvers. Also, avoid sudden braking and acceleration, which can cause you to skid.
- Plan a stop: If possible, park in a safe area and wait for conditions to improve.
- Stay informed: Listen to traffic reports broadcast on Sanef 107.7 for updates on road conditions and snow removal crews.
- Increase your following distance: With reduced traction, braking distances are significantly longer, so adjust the distance to the vehicle in front of you.
- Control your trajectory: If your vehicle starts to skid, don't panic and don't brake suddenly. Disengage the clutch and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
- Check your equipment: make sure your tires are suitable for winter conditions and that you have enough antifreeze windshield washer fluid.
- Be patient: slippery road conditions require slower and more careful driving. Accept that your trip may take longer than expected.
How do teams treat roads against freezing rain?
No preventative method is effective in anticipating freezing rain. Salting roads in advance does not prevent ice formation. In the event of a weather alert, teams are on high alert, ready to intervene with specialized equipment. When the phenomenon begins, they quickly deploy vehicles equipped with ice scrapers and brine dispersal systems—a highly concentrated salt solution—to melt the ice and restore road traction. This rapid and targeted intervention is crucial for restoring safety on roads affected by freezing rain.
Faced with the unpredictable threat of freezing rain, constant vigilance is required for both drivers and road maintenance crews.