Salt is sprinkled onto paved surfaces whenever the snow starts falling in winter, where it proceeds to serve two purposes. First, it lowers the freezing point of water, thus inhibiting the formation of ice. Second, it provides much-needed traction, thus making it that much easier for people to maintain sound footing even on the slipperiest of surfaces. Combined, these two characteristics lower the chances of serious accidents, which are all too common in the coldest season of the year. (more…)