From: Spike Jones (spike66@attglobal.net)
Date: Fri Dec 21 2001 - 17:03:18 MST
> > >Spike Jones wrote:
> > >It would perhaps work at making it harder to drive. Roads are black
> > >for a good reason. spike
> > >
> >Chuck Kuecker wrote:
> > I don't think the fact that asphalt is black has anything to do with
> > traction - concrete works just fine, and is certainly not black...Chuck
> > Kuecker
>
> Chuck, I meant it would be harder to drive because the reflected light
> from a white surface would make it harder to see. My comment had
> nothing to do with traction. {8-] spike
Actually, altho I hadnt thought of it until you pointed it out, black roads
*would* be better for traction. A black road would be slightly warmer
in the sunshine, all the better to melt the ice and evaporate the water
which would otherwise be more of a problem on a lighter colored surface.
Chuck, I now recall seeing a vacant parking lot the morning after a
light snow. The black surfaces were ice free and dry, whereas the
white lines painted on the surface had about a cm of ice left. As you
point out, concrete roads are a special case, since they are inherently
rough, good for traction in wet weather. But asphalt is cheaper.
Looks like we are stuck with boring old black roads. spike
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