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Understanding how to drive in dangerous conditions is a must for anyone who lives in an area with cold, harsh winters. One of the most hazardous winter driving conditions is black ice—a thin layer of ice that forms on roads and sidewalks. In this blog, we'll cover how to identify black ice on the road and how to drive properly in these extreme conditions.
How To Identify Black Ice On The Road
The first step in driving safely on black ice is recognizing it. Here are some tell-tale signs that you may be approaching a patch of black ice:
- Low temperatures (especially below freezing) combined with moisture from snow or rain.
- Shiny spots or areas that appear wet but don't actually have water on them.
- Other drivers slow down or swerve suddenly for no apparent reason.
If you notice any of these indicators, proceed with caution! Slow down, turn off cruise control if you have it activated, and avoid sudden movements as much as possible.
How To Drive On Black Ice
Once you've identified a potential patch of black ice, here's what you should do while driving over it:
- Reduce your speed gradually and turn off cruise control if you have it activated. Sudden braking can cause your car to spin out of control.
- Avoid sudden movements like turning sharply or accelerating quickly; these will cause your car to lose traction more quickly than gentle maneuvers.
- Keep your foot off the brake pedal while driving over the icy spot; instead, try to coast through the patch without applying any additional pressure from your foot. If you do feel like your car is slipping or losing traction, gently apply pressure on the brake pedal until your car regains its grip on the road again
- Ensure all other occupants in your vehicle are wearing their seatbelts; this will help protect everyone inside in case of an accident due to slippery road conditions.
Learning how to identify and drive properly on patches of black ice can mean the difference between life and death when winter weather strikes hard and fast. By following these tips for recognizing when a patch of black ice may be present and proper driving techniques while navigating over it, drivers can ensure they make it safely through even the most treacherous winter roads!
If you or a loved one were injured in a weather-related, call Grewal Law PLLC today at (888) 211-5798 or fill out a contact request form on our website here.
