How to Spot Black Ice on the Road & What to Do
How to Spot Black Ice on the Road & What to Do
When you think about winter driving conditions, don’t just think about driving in a snowstorm. The winter season poses additional threats on the road, including black ice.
Whether you have always lived in the Arizona desert or you came to Phoenix from somewhere else, it’s important to understand how to deal with various weather conditions in case you have to drive in them at some point. Winter weather in particular brings some treacherous driving situations, and one of the scariest is called black ice.
Why is black ice so dangerous?
Black ice isn’t truly black. It’s actually clear, unlike a lot of ice that appears white. That’s what makes it so dangerous: Because you can see asphalt or concrete under its transparent surface, it may not be readily visible. It also forms without creating bubbles, so it essentially becomes camouflaged with any surface.
When & where to watch for black ice
If you drive in the early morning or at night, before sunset and sunrise, this is when you’re most likely to encounter black ice. That’s because black ice forms when temperatures drop to below freezing point, and when the sun isn’t shining to help warm road and sidewalk surfaces. In the daytime, the roads tend to be warm enough that black ice doesn’t form.
Be especially alert to the potential for black ice in these spots:
- Tunnels
- Bridges
- Overpasses
- Roads beneath overpasses
- Roadways that don’t get much traffic
Signs of black ice
Even though it’s difficult to see black ice, there are some signs you can look for to detect it. It often appears as smooth, glass-like sheets, rather than a dull black surface. Notice how other cars are behaving, as well, because that can be a good indication of road conditions. For example, if you notice other cars swerve suddenly, it’s possible that they’re driving on black ice.
What to do if you encounter black ice while driving
- Don’t overreact and don’t make sudden driving maneuvers. Remaining calm will help you maintain control of your vehicle.
- Don’t slam on the brakes. This will cause you to slide or skid rather than stop.
- Do your best to keep the steering wheel straight.
- If you feel that the rear of your car is sliding in one direction, gently turn the steering wheel in that same direction. Attempting to turn the wheel in the opposite direction may cause you to skid or spin out.
- Lift your foot completely off the accelerator and continue to keep your steering wheel in the fixed position.
- If you skid or lose traction, remain calm. Aim for areas with better traction, such as bare asphalt, a snow-covered spot in the road, or textured ice. Of course, watch for other cars.
- If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply firm pressure to the brake and the car will pump the brakes for you. If you don’t have ABS, gently pump the brakes.
- If you end up skidding off the road, calmly attempt to steer into something that will cause the least damage, like a snow bank or field. It may not be possible, but try if you can.
Other winter weather driving tips
Don’t speed. Speeding in wintry conditions can lead to an out-of-control situation, and you want to be in control anytime you come into contact with ice or if there’s a storm.
Leave the right amount of following distance between you and the vehicles ahead. If you have to brake for any reason and you’re tailgating, you’ll have less braking distance on what could be a potentially slippery road surface, and that can lead to a collision.
Drive with your headlights on, even during the day. This will help you better observe road conditions and help other drivers see you.
Never use cruise control in potentially icy conditions. Again, this limits the control you have over driving.
Make sure your tires are in good condition. Never hit the road with worn tread, especially in scenarios, such as winter storms, when you need extra traction.
Have an ice scraper in your car. Windshield wipers won’t be adequate in removing ice from your windshield, so you’ll need to scrape the windows before you get in the car and start driving.
