Motorists generally dread commuting on slippery snow-covered roads. However, unlike snow which provides some limited traction, black ice virtually eliminates all of your tires’ traction with the road. While snow-covered roads are easy to spot, black ice is invisible at night and appears as wet pavement during the day. When driving over black ice, you have few options except to remain calm and drive in a straight line without using the brakes or accelerator. Continue until you reach the end of the ice patch.
Your risk of getting into an accident on black ice decreases if you anticipate it in advance so that it doesn’t catch you while driving at a high speed. Here are four tips on where and when to expect black ice:
The Pavement Looks Wet but There’s No Road Spray
When the road looks wet or shiny but you see no road spray, then the “wet” pavement is actually black ice. When this happens, allow wind resistance to slow down your car. Don’t brake, and keep the steering wheel pointing straight ahead.
Overnight Temperatures Were below Freezing
Pay attention to weather forecasts including the temperatures. Black ice formation overnight gets less attention and may go untreated because there are fewer motorists on the road. Black ice can linger in the morning even though the air temperature is higher than freezing because the pavement takes longer to warm up. In addition, shaded road sections will retain black ice longer. This hazard doesn’t necessarily require freezing rain to form. All that’s needed is wet pavement and freezing temperatures.
The Road Is Untreated and the Temperature Is below Freezing
When driving in freezing weather on untreated roads, be alert to wet or shiny pavement. Anticipate black ice on bridges and overpasses, which freeze first. Know that any kind of moisture can freeze into black ice. For example, light snow can cause black ice when it melts from tire traffic and then refreezes as ice. Snow blowing on the pavement from the side of the road can also undergo the same refreezing process.
Your Outside Mirrors Ice Up
This indicates the presence of freezing moisture. If ice is forming on your mirrors, it could be forming on the road as well.
If you were involved in a car accident because a motorist was driving too fast for the conditions, a Charles County accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 844-Take-MyCase or visit our website at www.844TakeMyCase.com.
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