Anti-icing operations involve applying chemicals “just-in-time” to keep the snow and ice from bonding to the pavement surface. It usually takes 50 to 80 percent less chemicals to avoid the bond (anti-icing) compared to the amounts needed to break the bond (de-icing).
The result of anti-icing is that snow and ice deposits remain slushy making removal by plows easier. From a safety viewpoint, the need for de-icing is not always detected until after a crash occurs. Anti-icing technology saves on chemical costs, reduces environmental effects, and saves on accident costs. Anti-icing is a “win-win” situation.
(Source: Cornell Local Roads)