Wintertime is not the best weather condition to be driving
in; you not only have to deal with snow, but ice on the road is another threat.
Black ice, in particular, is dangerous because it’s “invisible" or not
clearly seen especially from afar. Many car accidents occur from driving on
this slippery surface. However, you can protect yourself by understanding and
knowing how to deal with this winter issue.
1.
Understand that black ice is like regular
ice.
It is a glaze that forms on surfaces (especially rods, sidewalks, and driveways) because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and re-freezing of snow, water, or ice on surfaces. The reason it’s called “black ice” is because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road, although in reality, the ice is actually clear. Black ice forms without creating bubbles, which allows it to blend in with any surface it forms over. This is what makes black ice so dangerous, because it’s hard to detect in advance.
It is a glaze that forms on surfaces (especially rods, sidewalks, and driveways) because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and re-freezing of snow, water, or ice on surfaces. The reason it’s called “black ice” is because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road, although in reality, the ice is actually clear. Black ice forms without creating bubbles, which allows it to blend in with any surface it forms over. This is what makes black ice so dangerous, because it’s hard to detect in advance.
2.
Know where to expect black ice.
Black ice forms mostly at night or in the
early morning when the temperatures are at their lowest, or when the sun isn’t
around to warm the roads.
Black ice tends to form on parts of the road without much sunshine, such as a long tree-lined route or a tunnel. It will also form more frequently on roads that are less traveled on.
Black ice also tends to form on bridges, overpasses and the road beneath overpasses. This is because the cold air is able to cool both the top and under the bridge or overpass, bringing about faster freezing.
Black ice tends to form on parts of the road without much sunshine, such as a long tree-lined route or a tunnel. It will also form more frequently on roads that are less traveled on.
Black ice also tends to form on bridges, overpasses and the road beneath overpasses. This is because the cold air is able to cool both the top and under the bridge or overpass, bringing about faster freezing.
3.
Know how to possibly detect black ice.
Although black ice is transparent, it can sometimes be seen in the right lighting conditions – if you are trying to look for it. It almost always forms in very smooth, glossy sheets. If you see a glossy surface, it is potentially black ice. If the majority of the road you’re driving on appears a dull black color, but the patch just ahead of you appears shiny, you may be about to drive into black ice.
Although black ice is transparent, it can sometimes be seen in the right lighting conditions – if you are trying to look for it. It almost always forms in very smooth, glossy sheets. If you see a glossy surface, it is potentially black ice. If the majority of the road you’re driving on appears a dull black color, but the patch just ahead of you appears shiny, you may be about to drive into black ice.
4.
If you encounter black ice, remain calm. You
should simply do as little as possible and allow the car to pass over the ice.
Do not hit the brakes, and try to keep the steering wheel straight. If you feel
the back end of your car sliding left or right, make a very gentle turn of the
steering wheel in the same direction. If you try to struggle against it by
steering in the opposite direction, you risk skidding or spinning out. It is
best to slow down by lifting your foot off the accelerator but do not touch the
brakes.
5.
If you do skid or lose traction, stay calm.
Use the minimum amount of braking possible; some braking will be necessary if skidding a lot. If you have anti-lock braking system (ABS), just put your foot on the brake, apply firm pressure and the car will pump the brakes for you as you skid. If you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes gently as you skid. And always steer the car in the direction you want it to go.
Use the minimum amount of braking possible; some braking will be necessary if skidding a lot. If you have anti-lock braking system (ABS), just put your foot on the brake, apply firm pressure and the car will pump the brakes for you as you skid. If you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes gently as you skid. And always steer the car in the direction you want it to go.
It also helps to keep your windshield clean and clear of
ice, snow, dirt, or anything else that can prevent you from seeing properly. Remember,
if you do encounter black ice while driving, the most important thing is to
stay calm and let the vehicle drive over it as smoothly as possible.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
