Encountering Black Ice
At this time of year, it’s likely that you’ll encounter black ice along your route while traveling.
How does Black Ice form, anyway? This is caused by the normal melt and re-freezing of snow or ice after an accumulation. So, a snowfall will be cleared off the road, and then there will be an increase of daytime temperatures, causing it to melt, but then it re-freezes when the temp dips down later in the day.
It is called “black ice” because it freezes into a clear surface showing the dark road underneath. Normally, ice will appear to be silvery or grey, but the more sinister surface is called black ice because it doesn’t reveal itself.
If you hit black ice, keep driving straight and avoid braking. Otherwise, braking may cause the vehicle to swerve into other cars or off the road. If you have to brake at all, try to put one set of wheels on the shoulder in order to get traction for the brakes. This will also allow for the steer tires to keep a corrected direction.
Of course, the best plan of action is to manage your speed cautiously, and leave room around your vehicle to avoid any trouble, or to give corrective action.
Speed and space are the best friends when encountering weather that can develop “black ice”.
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