One of the most dangerous aspects of black ice is that it’s nearly invisible. In fact, it takes drivers a while before they realize they are driving on black ice.
If you’re driving on black ice, the first thing you’ll notice is how slippery it is. Black ice is created by a small coating of frozen moisture on top of the pavement, making it more slippery than regular ice because it lacks air bubbles or slope variations that could provide traction. Experts estimate that the distance required to stop your vehicle while traveling on black ice is about nine times the distance required to stop your vehicle while traveling on dry pavement.
Certain roadways are more vulnerable to black ice than others. They include:
- Areas of roads that receive little or no sunlight. These stretches of road will be slower to warm in comparison to the air and are more likely to contain black ice.
- Seldom-used back roads.That’s because increased road traffic creates friction, warming busier roads and preventing ice formation. Shaded spaces, such as patches of road surrounded by trees, are more likely to contain black ice.
- Tunnels and underpasses. They provide plenty of shade for black ice to develop.
- Bridges. They tend to remain extra cool because their height gives them greater exposure to cold winds.
These defensive driving techniques can help counter any potential black ice patches you may face.
- Slow down. This age-old defensive driving technique also applies to black ice. The slower you travel, the lower your chances of skidding—and the less violent any skid will be.
- Don’t use cruise control. Your vehicle will try to maintain speed with no regard for the dangerous conditions beneath it.
- Steer with clean movements. Avoid the urge to make jerky, reactive movements that could cause your vehicle to skid.
Information found from articles on eriesense.com