When you live in an area with colder climates, icy roads can become a significant and significant problem. In 2009, in the United States alone, 477 people were killed in ice-related traffic accidents (Icy Road Fatality Statistics, icyroadsafety.com). To combat the danger of driving in these conditions, the solution of de-icing roads with salt has become a widespread method of accident prevention. Indeed, salt is used to melt ice and snow and prevent them from refreezing. Salt works by decreasing the melting or freezing point of the liquid. The result is called “freezing point depression.” This method has both advantages and limitations, and although using salt to de-ice roads saves many lives each year, it has considerable disadvantages. When salt (NaCl) is combined with water (H2O), an external compound is dissolved and introduced into the solution. The freezing point of H2O decreases as more particles are added to the point where the salt can no longer dissolve. For a solution of table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) in water, this temperature is -23°C with precise laboratory situations. In real conditions, on a sidewalk or road, sodium chloride can only melt ice down to around -14°C, although it remains effective in combating ice. Freezing point depression is a colligative property of H2O. Colligative properties are properties of solutions that depend on the number of particles in a given volume of solvent and not on the mass of the particles. All dissolved particles among liquid solvents exhibit colligative properties. Using salt to de-ice roads has its merits, and from an economic standpoint, treating with salt to clear roads seems to be a wise decision. Compared to other defrosting chemicals and methods...... middle of paper ......it, flora and organisms. Since salt attracts various creatures and increases the risk of wildlife-related vehicle accidents, its function seems quite contrary. Salt helps prevent ice-related accidents, but is directly responsible for incidents involving animals. The only real positives seem to be economic and social aspects, because in theory, using salt saves communities money and saves lives. The problems it poses, socially, environmentally and ethically, for the world around us are staggering and, in my opinion, we could easily replace salt with a different, less harmful option. I would suggest investing in EcoTraction, a traction product that is environmentally safe, derived from all natural substances and compounds, it is non-toxic and safe for animals to ingest, and does not harm infrastructure or to water supplies..