Scientific explanation:

The texture of sand itself does not melt the ice. The only way it would melt the ice is if it was warmed up by the sun. Heat is the only thing that will help the sand melt the ice. The sand particles are extremely small and mobile, and this makes them hard to say in one place with substances like ice. Wind or rain may cause them to move continuously and this keeps the surface of the road from being completely covered in ice. It cannot melt the ice itself but it can slow down the buildup and keep traction for tires. (Day 2)