How to Drive on Black Ice
Black ice is one of the scourges of winter driving. Black ice forms when snow melts and refreezes on the surface of the road, most commonly on bridges and overpasses. It is more dangerous than regular ice, because it is hard to see. Luckily there are driving techniques to minimize the danger.
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Instructions
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Know what to look for. A major sign of black ice is the presence of dark patches of pavement during freezing conditions.
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Wear your seat belt. You should be doing this anyway, but it is especially important if you plan to drive in hazardous winter conditions.
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Stay far behind other vehicles. Leave lots of space between your car and the one in front. If you drive through black ice you will find it impossible to brake, so you need plenty of space so you can react to any events.
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Accelerate slowly if you need to move forward so you don't lose traction. If you need to turn, do so slowly and carefully as well.
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Touch the brake pedal lightly if you need to brake. Slamming on the brakes will send the car into a spin, which is extremely dangerous on black ice.
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Take your foot off the gas pedal if your car begins to slide. Giving the car gas will make it skid even more and increase the dangers of black ice.
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Put the car into neutral gear and let the momentum carry you over the slippery patch. This will keep the car moving in a straight line.
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Turn the wheel in the direction of the skid if you start to slide. Although it feels wrong, this will help you to get the car back on track.
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Tips & Warnings
Put your car in a lower gear to give more control, if you think you are approaching a patch of black ice.
Make sure your tires have enough tread before driving in icy conditions.
Keep an emergency kit in your car.
Avoid passing lanes, which may contain even more black ice than the main road.
Do not use cruise control. With black ice you need to be in full control of your car.
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Comments
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kgob
Feb 19, 2009
Here in Minnesota, black ice is considered the freezing of car exhaust on the road that only happens at a certain temperature threshold. It is invisible and unrelated to refreeze. -
kgob
Feb 19, 2009
Here in Minnesota, black ice is considered the freezing of car exhaust on the road that only happens at a certain temperature threshold. It is invisible and unrelated to refreeze.
