As said by Julie Lee, VP & National Director of AARP Driver Safety, “The biggest danger [with black ice] is that you are at the mercy of your vehicle and the ice until your car passes over it.” Black ice is a common cause for slips, slides, and accidents during the late fall and winter seasons. Find out the best ways to spot black ice and what to do if you find yourself driving on it.
Step 1 – Knowing When Black Ice Occurs
If the air is 32 degrees or below at the surface and rain/moisture is present, expect a chance of black ice. This combination in temperature and moisture is perfect for black ice to form. Another way to know when black ice is present is if recent snow is melting or it has been sleeting.
Quick Tip: If your car is equipped with a temperature gauge, look at it to see how cold it is. If the temperature gauge is at or close to freezing, proceed with caution while driving.
Black Ice is named that because of how easily it blends in with the surroundings. People often don’t know they’ve hit a patch of ice until their vehicle is sliding and they’ve lost control. Keep reading for more information.
Step 2 – How to Control Your Vehicle on Ice
If you end up hitting black ice, the biggest advice is to remain calm. In case your vehicle does hit black ice, do not slam on the brakes or make sudden movements with your steering wheel.
If you feel yourself start to slide, take your foot off the gas and try to slow down as much as possible by gently applying the brakes. If you think ice is potentially covering an entire roadway, pull over into a parking lot or other open area.
Do you have any experiences with driving on ice? If you have any further tips, we’d love to hear from you. Please comment below to add your thoughts and other tips.
Sources: AccuWeather
American Heritage Insurance Group is an independent property and casualty insurance agency offering personal lines insurance, commercial lines insurance for small and medium sized businesses, farm insurance, and several specialty lines. We have offices located in Cincinnati, Milford, and Springfield, Ohio.
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