Snowfighters respond pro-actively. Anti-icing returns road surfaces to normal faster, resulting in fewer accidents and delays. Using a liquid ice-melter jumpstarts the melting process because salt needs moisture to be effective. Brine doesn't bounce or blow off the road surface so material is more efficiently used. If the storm is delayed, salt residue remains on the road ready to begin work when precipitation begins.
Crews can cover more territory by beginning treatment in advance of a storm.
Increased efficiency results in use of less salt, minimizing environmental concerns. Anti-icing products available include sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium acetate, and calcium magnesium acetate. Each product has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some agencies use calcium or magnesium chloride in a brine solution which is effective at lower temperatures, but is more than six times as expensive than salt, and is more difficult to handle. Also, calcium and magnesium chloride residue on road surfaces can attract moisture at lower relative humidity than salt that may result in dangerous, slippery conditions under certain circumstances.