As temperatures drop, one of the most unpredictable and dangerous risks on the road begins to take shape – ice.
Often invisible, quick to form and difficult for drivers to anticipate, icy surfaces contribute to a significant number of winter collisions each year. The difference between maintaining control of a vehicle and experiencing a serious incident can be as simple as receiving a timely warning. Coeval’s Ice Detection Systems have been developed precisely for this purpose, turning real-time ground conditions into immediate visual alerts that help protect road users throughout the winter months.
Unlike traditional winter maintenance strategies that rely heavily on weather forecasts, air temperature readings or visual inspections, Coeval’s technology focuses on what truly matters – the condition of the road surface itself.
By embedding specialist sensors and cables directly into the carriageway, the system can continuously monitor surface temperature, moisture levels and freezing conditions exactly where ice forms. When the detectors identify that freezing has occurred, or is very likely to occur, this information is instantly communicated to intelligent roadside signage.
Drivers are immediately warned of the hazardous conditions ahead, with clear, highly visible messages that stand out even in darkness, fog or snow.
These signs are designed to deliver unmistakable warnings that encourage safer driving behaviour, helping to reduce speed, limit harsh braking and promote caution. Rather than relying on drivers to interpret general weather conditions, the system provides specific and timely alerts based on the actual state of the road beneath their tyres.
For local authorities and highway operators, the benefits extend well beyond the messages shown on the signs.
The data captured by Coeval’s ice detection technology provides a detailed understanding of when and where roads freeze, how quickly conditions deteriorate after rainfall or temperature drops, and which areas repeatedly present a higher risk.
This information allows winter maintenance teams to operate far more efficiently, ensuring that resources are deployed precisely where they are needed. It also supports longer-term planning by identifying routes that may require design changes or additional treatments in future years.
By integrating seamlessly with wider road management systems, Coeval’s technology contributes to a smarter, more proactive approach to winter safety. Rather than reacting to incidents after they occur, authorities can anticipate risks, warn drivers in advance and treat the most vulnerable locations more effectively.
Ultimately, Coeval’s Ice Detection Systems provide a crucial layer of protection during the harshest months of the year.
They offer early identification of dangerous road conditions and translate that information into immediate, highly visible warnings. For drivers, this means better awareness and the chance to adjust their behaviour before it is too late. For authorities, it means accurate data that strengthens winter strategies and enhances public safety.
Icy roads will always pose a challenge, but with Coeval’s technology, the response can be faster, more precise and far more effective.
