Black ice is a thin layer of highly transparent ice that can form on roadways, bridges, and sidewalks. As a result, it can cause slip-and-fall accidents on city sidewalks and automobile accidents on streets. The ice itself is clear; however, it is called black ice because it looks black against the road it covers. Black ice is often undetectable to the human eye because it is thin and does not create bubbles, which allows it to blend in with the pavement. Black ice is incredibly dangerous for people to drive on because it is so hard to detect. Many people do not realize they are driving on black ice until it is too late.
How Common is Black Ice?
Black ice is common during the winter months, especially in regions of the United States that reach freezing temperatures. It is especially likely to form on elevated or shaded roads, such as bridges, overpasses, roads beneath overpasses, and tree-lined roads. Additionally, black ice tends to form on roads with less traffic because there are not enough cars to generate enough heat to prevent it. Black ice most commonly forms early in the morning and late in the evening, when the sun is not out and traffic is lighter. Although black ice is more common in Northern states where temperatures consistently drop below freezing, it can happen in any state, so it is important to know what to look for when driving in cold weather.
How Can You Tell if There is Black Ice on the Road?
Although it is difficult to tell if there is black ice on the road, a few signs while driving could indicate the road may be icy. For instance, if you see pavement that looks darker and duller than the rest of the road, you may be approaching black ice. Additionally, black ice tends to freeze in a thin and even layer, so if you notice that parts of the road seem to have an unusually smooth texture, you may be driving on black ice. Another sign of black ice is puddles or icy patches near guardrails or bridges, as these spots tend to freeze faster than other parts of the road. Lastly, black ice may look shiny, especially at night when your headlights are on.
What Causes Black Ice?
Black ice can form in several ways. One way black ice forms is when moisture on the road comes from snow or ice melting on or near the road. When road temperatures drop below freezing, the melted snow or ice freezes into a thin layer of black ice. Black ice can also form when precipitation, such as drizzle, rain, dew, or fog, lands on the road. The precipitation may form puddles on the road that freeze when road surface temperatures drop.
What Are the Dangers of Black Ice?
The main danger of black ice is that it makes roads slippery and hard to see, making them dangerous to drive on. Because black ice is so slippery, brakes and steering may not work properly, which can cause drivers to lose control. If you drive on black ice without knowing how to handle it properly, your car could spin out of control, crash into another car, or slide into a ditch. It is important to know how to drive on black ice and what to do if you unexpectedly hit black ice; otherwise, you could end up seriously injured or dead.
How Many Accidents Does Black Ice Cause Per Year?
With 70% of roads in the United States in snowy and icy areas, ice-related accidents are common. According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 1,300 people are killed, and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement annually. The Federal Highway Administration also estimates that over 24% of crashes in the United States occur in snowy or icy conditions. Black ice is especially dangerous for drivers, especially those with limited experience in icy conditions. Knowing what to do if you hit a patch of black ice, or if you plan to drive in black ice conditions, may save your life.
What Should You Do if You Hit Black Ice?
If your car begins to slide on black ice, stay calm. First, take your foot off the gas. Pressing the gas pedal may cause your car to spin even more, so take your foot off the gas to slow down. You can also shift to a lower gear to slow your vehicle down. Once your foot is off the gas, tap the brake pedal lightly, but do not slam the brakes. Slamming the brakes will cause your car to spin and slide even more. If your vehicle begins to skid, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid to get it back on track. Understanding how to control your car in these and other dangerous weather conditions can prevent serious accidents.
How Do You Drive on Black Ice?
While it is generally recommended not to drive on black ice, keep these tips in mind if you must. In black ice conditions, leave plenty of space between your car and other cars on the road. Double your usual safe following distance. Do not tailgate other vehicles in black ice conditions because the risk of a collision increases if one car loses control. Also, drive very slowly in black ice conditions. Driving slowly helps you regain control faster if you hit black ice and lowers the risk of severe injuries and damage. Another tip is to drive with your low-beam headlights on, even during the daytime. Keeping your low-beam headlights on helps other drivers see you from the other direction and may help you spot the shine of black ice on the road. Also, if you plan to drive in black ice conditions, make sure your tires have plenty of tread. If your tire tread is low, you’re more likely to lose control of your vehicle if you hit black ice.
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