“Black Ice”

With the snow and cold of winter, ice also forms. During the winter months, when temperatures are below freezing, liquid water turns into a solid. This solid is known to be quite slick and lacks a strong coefficient of friction. Some ice is easily seen and can be planned for, but other ice can be essentially invisible. In this blog, we will look at tips for driving on black ice.

Be Prepared: Ice can form when the temperature is below 32℉. To reduce this temperature salt is often placed on roads to lower the freezing point of the water. Be extra cautious of roads during the early morning or night as the temperature would have decreased. The sun is a powerful tool to warm this planet and the roads. Be wary of shaded areas as the sun has not warmed the ground. Also, like the street signs say, “Bridge Ices Before Road”.  

Stay on lanes of Traction: Often times common lanes of travel will form on roadways. Attempt to keep your wheels within the tracks. This roadway has been seen by others as safe, and the roadway will have been more worn in. When driving in potentially icy situations, look for areas of the road that have been salted or sanded. Snow can also have more traction than ice. 

Exit the Road: If the conditions are too icy, it is best to exit that roadway. Either find an alternate route that is more clear or by waiting for snow and ice removal specialists to come through. If you can not exit the road, slow down. Take turns smoothly, with slow even braking while firmly gripping the steering wheel looking where you want to go. Increase following distance. Having more road in front of you and the other vehicle will give you more time to stop, but also more road to gather crucial information about the road conditions.

Stay Calm: Unfortunately, black ice is very difficult to detect. If you do encounter black ice, stay calm and allow your vehicle to pass over the ice. Touching the brakes will likely lead to skidding and losing control of your vehicle. If you do lose temporary control of the vehicle, remain calm. Do not overreact or overcorrect. Look where you want to go and steer yourself there. Hopefully, the ice patch is small and you will regain traction quickly. If not, remain calm and trust in your vehicle's safety devices. If you are on a hill and your vehicle or others are sliding together, stay in your vehicle. Do not exit as this will leave your vehicle with no driver and it will put you in a much more dangerous position. 

Ice is scary, and unseen ice can be even scarier. But trust in yourself and in your vehicle's abilities. It is crucial that you assess the road conditions and drive within them. Be on the lookout for potential hazards, especially when it is cold and ice could be present.