Stay Safe This Winter: Avoid Black Ice While Driving

Circumnavigating black ice and knowing how to drive safely in less-than-ideal ideal road conditions are vital skills in a wintry climate. You should learn all you can about black ice, how to spot and avoid it and how to control your vehicle in challenging circumstances.

What Is Black Ice?

Normally, ice contains many air bubbles which give it the white appearance that you may be used to. Black ice results when a thin layer of moisture freezes quickly. It does not contain the usual air bubbles, making it hard to see. The road may appear shiny, and you may think it’s just wet, rather than recognizing it as ice.

Black ice is especially common on roads near bodies of water. The increased moisture in the air makes contact with the much colder pavement and freezes quickly, usually as the temperature drops at night.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The first step to avoiding this invisible enemy is to stay aware on the roads. Bridges usually ice over before roads, so always slow down as you are crossing them. Black ice also forms more often on lesser-traveled roads. If you are out in the mountains or the country, stay cautious and be on the lookout for a sheen on the road.

Driving Tactics

If driving in potentially icy conditions is unavoidable or you expect you may come upon a patch of ice during your trip, keep your speed lower than normal. Never put your car in cruise control if ice is a concern, as you should have the maximum level of control over how your vehicle handles in winter weather.

If you notice a patch on the roadway ahead of you, slowly brake beforehand, but never brake while driving over it, as this could cause your wheels to completely lose traction.

When on the highway, stay in your lane rather than constantly changing lanes. Black ice can form in between lanes and cause you to spin out of control. Always keep a good distance between your vehicle and the next so you have a chance to react if their car or yours begins to spin or slide.

What Should You Do if You Start to Slide?

It’s hard to do, but it is imperative that you stay calm if you begin to slide. Your life may depend on it. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you are sliding to correct the spin. Don’t turn the wheel too sharply or else you will overcorrect the spin. Take your foot off the gas pedal, but do not press down on the brakes — it will not help.

If you find yourself in a car wreck due to a mishap with black ice, call Stauffer’s Towing and get emergency towing assistance at any time of day or night this winter.