Tech Briefs
Black-ice warning devices

The new generation of black-ice warning systems from Sprague Controls may be installed on all classes of trucks.

Black ice is one of the leading causes of single vehicle and weather-related accidents. Unpredictable and dangerous, black-ice conditions are likely to occur well before the air temperature dips to freezing levels, and often remain a risk after temperatures have risen above freezing. Most new vehicles provide drivers with ambient air temperature information only. Because air and road surface temperatures typically vary from 4.4° to 8.3°C (8° to 15°F), knowing air temperature conditions is not enough to avoid the danger black ice presents.

RoadWatch, road-surface temperature-measuring systems from Sprague Controls, alerts drivers to potentially dangerous road surface icing conditions in time for them to react and avoid the danger of black ice. The infrared system, which uses the same technology as heat-seeking missiles, alerts drivers to changes in actual road temperatures in real time. When the road surface reaches 1.7°C (35°F), a warning light alerts the driver to potentially dangerous icy road conditions. According to the company, RoadWatch senses a one-degree change in road temperature in less than one-tenth of a second.

RoadWatch technology is presently in wide use by highway and public works departments throughout North America and Europe. For several years, RoadWatch systems have been employed to determine when and where to apply road treatment chemicals before icing and dangerous conditions develop. Sprague recently announced that it will offer two new RoadWatch systems designed specifically for the heavy-truck industry. The systems may be factory-installed or included as an option in new truck specifications.

Jean L. Broge