Areas of the road that are shaded:
Answers
Usually do not freeze.
Usually do not contain moisture, so they can’t freeze.
Will remain slick after ice on other areas of the road has melted.
Should always be avoided.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
Will remain slick after ice on other areas of the road has melted.
Explanation:
Areas of the road that are shaded, such as those under trees, bridges, or overpasses, can remain slick and hazardous even after other areas of the road have thawed and dried. This happens because these areas are less exposed to direct sunlight, which significantly reduces their ability to warm up. When temperatures drop below freezing, moisture present on these shaded sections can freeze and form ice, creating dangerous driving conditions.
Shaded areas tend to stay colder than sunlit areas due to their reduced exposure to solar radiation. The lack of direct sunlight means these parts of the road do not warm up quickly, even as temperatures rise during the day. This can result in icy patches that persist for longer periods, posing a threat to vehicles and pedestrians alike.
It’s important for drivers to be cautious when navigating roads with shaded areas, especially during early morning hours or late at night when temperatures are typically at their lowest. Even if the rest of the road appears clear and dry, shaded regions may still have residual ice, making them slippery and increasing the risk of accidents.
In contrast, the other statements are incorrect for the following reasons:
- “Usually do not freeze”: This is false. Shaded areas are more likely to freeze due to limited sunlight exposure.
- “Usually do not contain moisture, so they can’t freeze”: This is incorrect. Shaded areas can still contain moisture, which can freeze when temperatures drop.
- “Should always be avoided”: This is impractical and not true. While shaded areas are hazardous during icy conditions, it is not possible or necessary to avoid them altogether in all situations. Drivers should be vigilant and drive carefully, but avoiding shaded roads completely is not feasible.
Understanding how temperature and sunlight interact with road conditions helps drivers stay alert and take appropriate precautions to ensure safety.