Ice Control

In 1938 a survey was conducted by the ARBA Committee on Ice Control on the different methods used in the treatment of icy pavements by the several states in the snow belt. Considerable information was obtained, and the findings were reported to the Association. During the past year a follow-up study has been made with the idea of presenting treating methods which could be called standard practice. The necessity for safe driving conditions during the winter months is generally acknowledged. The question of what constitutes safe driv­ ing conditions also should be well established. However, the lack of uniform methods and variations in the extent of treatment, not only in the different states but even within a state, constitutes a real hazard to the highway user. If it were possible for this committee to set up a specification, de­ fining in general the extent and methods of operation, and have the several states follow through, the public would know just what to expect in driving from one area to another. The pavements cannot be made foolproof, but driving conditions should be such that the user, with a reasonable amount of caution, can travel safely, knowing what to expect under existing conditions.