IDEA: Safer driving on snow and ice.

Hi,

driving home and being stuck in bad road conditions last night has given me plenty of time to think about improving driving in snow. Of course I am not the first one thinking bout this. Waiting for the truck far ahead to make it up the steep slope (or not as it were) I realized that the other lane with traffic coming the opposite way developped a natural pattern of ridges.

Apparently, the faster counter flow did not just push the snow away from the tires but also compressing it whilst rolling over it. Somehow the "chaotic" compression and displacement resulted in a rough road surface. I would have thought that given this rough pattern (although horribly noisy to drive over) gives more grip both accelerating and breaking -- especially with ASR and ABS as many modern car have now built in.

My idea is therefore: instead of removing the snow/ice create a grip pattern to drive on. Maybe even flash freezing a light coat of water to fortify it. The grip pattern has ice/snow ridges that are slightly elevated and dips accross the tires causing a cobble effect. This prevents both fast driving that is unsuitable for the road conditions and removes the need for creating deep snow walls on either side of the road. It also removes the need for salting.

Drawbacks are the on high frequency routes the ridges will get worn round soon. However, if the ridges would reflect the naturally developing pattern it may become self sustaining. Subject to pressure and temperature this may well be an option.