What drivers should know about black ice and its dangers
As winter sets in and temperatures begin to dip to freezing levels, dangerous driving conditions typically emerge. One wintry condition motorists often encounter while traveling or commuting is "black ice." In November 2013, hazardous black ice conditionscreated a massive pileupin Worcester, Mass. involving 65 cars and trucks traveling on I-290. In the accident, 35 people were injured. Fortunately no deaths were reported.
Black ice is a transparent thin layer of ice that is very difficult to see on pavement as opposed to normal icy road conditions.How Stuff Workssuggests it should "really" be referred to as "clear ice." The reason why it is so hard to see is because there are few air bubbles and drivers often mistake the ice as wetness. As a result, motorists are often unprepared for the skidding that will occur when the tires meet the ice.
According to Maine'sBureau of General Services, black ice can form under a few different types of conditions, including frozen condensation from overnight dew and melted snow that runs across a road and, subsequently, freezes. Rainy conditions occur during, or are followed by, freezing temperatures can also create perilous driving conditions. In addition, black ice tends to be isolated and spotty, so drivers can suddenly come across a patch of it unexpectedly, taking them by surprise.
The problem with black ice is drivers are often unable to see it until it is too late. Once a car's tires hits black ice, it'll begin to skid. The State of Maine provides a few tips on what motorists can look for:
When temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 Celsius), drivers should also be cautious of black ice. In any of these conditions, drivers should be aware of potential black ice presence.
While black ice is not totally preventable, there are actions you can take to reduce risks, which include:
The State of Maine recommends putting the transmission into the neutral position may also help when encountering black ice.
It is not uncommon for assumptions to be made that black ice related accidents are caused by careless driving. And while sometimes negligent driving is the case, actual data seems to suggest many of these accidents cannot be classified as not exercising due care, according toIcy Roads Safety,especially since black ice often appears without advanced warning. Even the most skilled or careful drivers can find themselves out of control when black ice suddenly appears.
