Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

In winter, what freezes faster than regular roads?

1. Expressways

2. Bridges

3. Residential streets

4. Parking lots

The correct answer is: Bridges

Bridges freeze faster than regular roads due to their unique construction and exposure to environmental conditions. Unlike regular roadways, which have ground beneath them that can retain heat, bridges are situated above the ground and are exposed to cold air beneath as well as above. This allows them to cool down more rapidly, causing ice to form more quickly on their surfaces. Additionally, bridges are typically built with materials that do not retain heat as well as asphalt or concrete pavement used on regular roads, which can also contribute to this phenomenon. Because of this characteristic, drivers should exercise extra caution when approaching bridges during winter conditions, as they may be icy when other road surfaces are not. In contrast, expressways, residential streets, and parking lots may freeze, but they generally benefit from some ground insulation that can help delay the freezing process compared to bridges. Therefore, it is particularly important for drivers to be aware of the heightened risk of icy conditions on bridges during winter months.