Practice question

Ice tends to form in shady areas, as well as:

  1. On highways
  2. On bridges and overpasses
  3. In parking lots
  4. In urban areas

Answer: B — On bridges and overpasses

Ice tends to form on bridges and overpasses because these structures are exposed to air on all sides. This exposure allows them to cool down more rapidly than regular road surfaces, which are insulated by the ground. When temperatures drop, moisture in the air can freeze more quickly on these elevated areas, creating hazardous conditions for drivers. While ice can form in various locations, it is particularly treacherous on bridges and overpasses due to this unique cooling effect. Roads on highways, parking lots, and urban areas may also have icy patches, especially in shaded regions, but the speed at which ice forms on bridges and overpasses makes them especially vulnerable to icy conditions. This characteristic makes driving on such structures particularly dangerous during cold weather.

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