And MoDOT says it's doing just that by using an unusual anti-icing product called Geomelt made from sugar beets.

Trucks in this part of the state use plain old rock salt.  But the beet mixture melts snow and ice at lower temperatures than just salt alone.  MoDOT is testing the product in northwest Missouri and the Springfield area, but could come to mid-Missouri soon.

"We wanted to see how it would work in different parts of the state and also how it would work with a regular Missouri winter," said Melissa Black of MoDOT.  "Is it going to keep the roads safer, is it going to be a better way to keep ice from forming on the roads, and is it going to be a good tool for us to use in certain cituations."

If the beet juice testing turns up a success, MoDOT might not need as much of this rock salt.  Something MoDOT worker Kent Howard will miss.

"I think we do an excellent job of keeping roads up and its already worked," said Howard.  "I guess it will work until they find something better to use. I guess we'll be using the same old methods."

MoDOT uses regular snowplows, rock salt, and various tools for winter road conditions.  This beet juice may be just one more tool for the toolbox.

"The thing is though we're constantly testing new products, new equipment, new things in order to keep the roads as clear and safe as possible," said Black.

The tests in other parts of the state will take all winter.  MoDOT will decide next year about the beet juice going statewide.