Roads are one of the most important pieces of infrastructure that a country has.
They enable people to get from place to place, and they are essential for commercial transportation. That’s why it’s so important to keep them in good condition.
One way to do this in the colder months is by road gritting. This is when road gritters spread salt or grit on the road in order to improve traction and prevent accidents.
In this blog post, we will discuss how road gritters know when to grit the roads.
When Do Road Gritters Know When To Grit The Roads?
Road gritters are usually out and about during the winter months, when road conditions can be at their worst. But how do they know when to grit the roads?
There are a few different factors that road gritters take into account when deciding when to grit the roads.
Specific Road Temperatures
One of the most important factors is the road temperature itself.
Roads can become very slippery when the temperature drops below freezing, so road gritters will usually start gritting when the temperature is forecast to reach this point (less than 1 degrees Celsius)
Weather Forecasts
Road gritters need to keep a very close eye on the weather forecast.
They need to know when the temperature is going to drop below freezing, as this is when road gritting becomes necessary. However, this is easier said than done.
The weather can be very unpredictable, especially in the UK. That’s why road gritters also need to be constantly checking the road surface itself.
They also need to be aware of any changes in traffic patterns or conditions that could impact the road surface, and any unexpected weather conditions that can occur, with not just snow, but rain too.
In short, road gritters need to be prepared for anything and everything. This is why they are always on call, ready to grit the roads at a moment’s notice.
Weather Warnings
Road gritters also pay attention to weather warnings issued by Met Desk.
If a winter weather warning has been issued, road gritters will usually start gritting the roads in order to make them safer for drivers.
Winter weather warnings are issued when Met Desk believes that there is a risk of severe weather, which could lead to road closures or travel disruption.
So, if you see a road gritting truck out and about, it’s probably because there’s a risk of some bad weather on the way.
What Happens If Road Gritters Don’t Grit The Roads?
If road gritters don’t grit the roads when they’re supposed to, it can have disastrous consequences.
Roads can become very slippery and dangerous, which can lead to accidents.
That’s why it’s so important for road gritters to be constantly monitoring the road conditions and the weather forecast, so that they can make sure the roads are safe for drivers.
How We Can Help
At Lincolnshire Gritters, we have a team of experienced road gritters who are on call, ready to grit the roads at a moment’s notice.
We use the latest weather forecasting technology to predict when the road conditions will deteriorate, so that we can be there before it happens.
If you would like more information about our road gritting services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would be more than happy to help.