Understanding Why Bridges Can Be So Dangerous During the Winter

The onslaught of winter weather over the last few weeks has served as a harsh reminder of how wintry precipitation can cause dangerous road conditions. Dozens of car accidents were reported throughout the Midwest, the northern Plains, the Great Lakes, and beyond as snow and ice began to pile up on the roads. Bridges can be especially hazardous when winter weather strikes. Here is a closer look at what signs to look out for before crossing bridges, as well as why these elevated surfaces are so treacherous during times of winter weather.

Bridge Warning Signs

Depending on where you live, you may encounter a variety of signs alerting drivers to the dangers of driving over a bridge during winter weather. Some of the variations that motorists may encounter include warnings of "Bridge Freezes Before Road," "Bridge Ices Before Road," or "Watch for Ice on Bridge."

While the wording may vary, the overall sentiment is the same. The signs serve as a warning to slow down and exercise extreme caution when crossing bridges when wintry precipitation is present. A clear road can turn into an ice rink once it reaches a bridge.

Why Bridges Present So Many Dangers During the Winter Season