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December 5th, 2022
The other morning I awoke to find a weather alert on my phone warning me of the potential of black ice on the roadways. With the colder temperatures and precipitation, drivers are more likely to encounter black ice on the roadways as they move into the winter months. Black ice is a layer of ice on the roadway that is nearly invisible as it appears clear and blends in with the roadway surface. It tends to form on parts of the roadway that do not receive much sunlight on bridges, overpasses, and on roads beneath an overpass. Most drivers are unaware of the presence of black ice and the dangers it poses prior to encountering it or their vehicle beginning to slide.
The best way to avoid black ice and stay safe, as with driving in any inclement weather, is to stay home unless it is necessary to leave. If that is not an option and you must head out, slow down and drive a little more cautiously than you might in clear conditions. Give yourself more distance between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of yours. Give yourself more distance to come to a stop or when slowing to navigate a turn or curve in the roadway. Make sure to leave a little earlier to give yourself more time to get to your destination.
So, what should you do if you hit a patch of black ice? According to information provided by the United States Forest Services, first you need to remain calm and avoid overreacting. While that may be easier said than done in the moment of an unexpected slide or loss of control, it is important not to immediately slam on your brakes or make any sudden steering maneuver which can exacerbate your problems. Keep your steering wheel straight. If you feel the back end of your vehicle sliding out to either the left or right, make a gentle turn in that direction to try and straighten out the vehicle. Instead of hitting your brakes and potentially causing your vehicle to skid, let off of the accelerator pedal to slow your vehicle. If you must brake, do so gently and apply the minimum amount of braking pressure possible under the circumstances. If your vehicle is not equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), pump your brakes. If your vehicle has ABS equipment, brake normally.
Following the aforementioned tips will help you travel safer when black ice may be present. While black ice encounters are often sudden and unexpected, it is important to contact an attorney if you are involved in a motor vehicle crash involving black ice. An experienced attorney can help determine whether the other driver involved was negligent in their operation of their motor vehicle given the roadway conditions. For more information regarding black ice and travel safety tips, visit here.
