ALT-1 How to Drive on Black Ice
In an ideal world, when the snow and ice start to cover the roads, no-one should be on the road. Many journeys though are necessary, so knowing how to drive appropriately in such conditions is vital. When it comes to driving in winter conditions though a large number of drivers are especially worried about the dangers posed by black ice.
Driving on any ice is difficult enough, but with most ice that forms on roads there is a colour differential, normally the white of the ice contrasting with the dark road surface. This colour differential provides some warning about the danger ahead, and some preparation can be made. With black ice though there is no colour differential. Black ice is in fact clear, and normally totally flat. This means that the ice will look exactly the same as the road surface underneath.
Knowing how to drive on black ice is therefore important, and can often be the difference between having a serious accident and simply having a small scare.
Being prepared is an important aspect of being able to drive on black ice. If the likelihood of patches of black ice forming is high, normally when the sun has set and temperatures have dropped, then it is more important than ever to increase the distance to the car ahead. On ice, a car will have a stopping distance of up to ten times more than in normal conditions. Not everyone will know how to drive on black ice, and as a result cars ahead are likely to skid, spin and slide, and ultimately crash. Being able to stop before crashing into them is of course important.
When driving it is very difficult to avoid patches of black ice, as awareness of its presence only comes when a car is on it and traction has been lost. Most people who are unprepared for this loss of traction will panic, and the first reaction is often to slam on the brakes. This though is the worse thing that can be done and will normally lead to an uncontrollable skid.
Reducing speed though is an important part of driving on black ice, but this needs to be a slow deceleration. This is something that can normally be achieved by simply removing the foot from the accelerator. Black ice often only forms in small patches and by keeping the car in a straight line and slowing down, traction is often quickly regained.
Sometimes though, it is impossible to keep the car going in a straight line, with the car likely to skid left or right. In the event of such a skid, the steering wheel should be turned in the direction of the skid. This should straighten the car up again. Never try and accelerate out of a skid on black ice. Accelerating will quickly turn what might be a minor skid into three hundred and sixty or more degree slides. A slowing of speed is required and if braking is required then it should be through a gentle pump of the brakes. Lower speeds offer greater control, and so a change in to a lower gear, and the slowing of the engine speed, is normally in order.
The loss of traction and control is likely to be scary, but a crash is even scarier. Remaining calm is key to driving on black ice, control through lower speeds and accurate steering wheel movements will limit the possibility of uncontrolled crashes. Hopefully this control will mean that the black ice is safely traversed and the rest of the journey can be safely completed.
Source -http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069859
