Driving on Black Ice: What You Need to Know to Drive Safely This Winter
Driving during the winter can result in several challenges—black ice on the roads being one example. Black ice, in particular, is a real threat that should not be neglected and is an issue that you should better understand before getting behind the wheel. Here’s what you need to know to drive safely this winter and avoid black ice.
Know where black ice is commonly located. The first step to avoiding black ice is knowing where to find it. Black ice is most likely to form at the point of freezing, so when the temperature is around or below 32 degrees fahrenheit, drive with extra caution. Black ice is also more likely to form at night or early morning, when the temperatures are lower than they are during the daytime. Be careful when driving on highways and roads where there is shade. Black ice tends to form in shaded areas, where there is little sunshine.
If you hit black ice, stay calm. Unfortunately, black ice is very difficult to detect. If you do encounter black ice, stay calm and allow your vehicle to pass over the ice while covering the brake. Touching the brakes will likely lead to skidding and losing control of your vehicle.
If you can find traction, take it. While black ice is nearly invisible, you may be able to find areas of traction, such as snow, sand or salted areas. If you are fortunate to find an area of traction after hitting black ice, head towards it.
Exit the road ASAP. As soon as you can safely get off the road, do so. You’re better off pulling to the side of the road or at a rest stop and waiting for road crews to salt/sand the roads than risking a car crash. Be sure to take your time exiting the highway or road to protect your safety and the safety of other drivers.
Black ice is a dangerous dilemma when driving in the winter. Be prepared in advance by using these tips to reach your destination safely. Protecting yourself by understanding the basics of black ice and what you should do to avoid the issue will pay off in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
When and where does black ice typically form?
Black ice forms when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the freezing point, and it's most common at night and in the early morning when temperatures drop. It tends to develop in shaded areas where sunlight can't melt residual moisture, such as overpasses, under tree canopies, and stretches of road blocked by hills or buildings. Knowing the conditions and the typical locations is the first step to avoiding it.
Why is black ice so hard to see?
Black ice gets its name because it looks like wet pavement rather than a frozen surface. It forms as a thin, transparent layer that takes on the color of the asphalt underneath, so even an attentive driver often can't spot it until the tires lose grip. That's why driving with caution at freezing temperatures, especially in shaded spots and on bridges, matters more than trying to visually identify the ice ahead of time.
What should I do if I feel my car hit black ice?
Stay calm. The most important thing is to avoid sudden inputs. Don't slam the brakes, don't jerk the steering wheel, and don't accelerate. Take your foot off the gas, keep the wheel pointed straight in the direction you want to go, and let the vehicle coast over the ice. Hover your foot over the brake but don't press it. Tapping the brakes is what usually causes the skid and loss of control. Once you feel the tires regain grip on dry pavement, you can resume normal driving.
Is it safe to brake or steer hard to get off black ice?
No. Hard braking and sudden steering are the two actions most likely to send your vehicle into an uncontrolled skid on black ice. If you can see a patch of traction nearby, such as snow, sand, or a salted section of road, ease the vehicle toward it gradually. Sudden movements while you're on the ice will almost always make the situation worse, even with modern stability control systems.
Should I keep driving or pull over if road conditions are icy?
If you've already encountered black ice and can do so safely, exit the road at the next opportunity. Pulling into a rest stop, parking lot, or wide shoulder and waiting for road crews to salt or sand the road is far safer than continuing on and risking a crash. Take your time exiting. Trying to hurry off the highway can be just as dangerous as continuing through icy conditions, because other drivers behind you may also be losing traction.
What's the best way to prepare for winter driving in the first place?
Build extra margin before you ever get behind the wheel. Slow down when temperatures approach freezing, especially before dawn and on shaded routes. Increase your following distance well beyond the usual three to five seconds so you have more room to react without braking hard. Make sure your tires have adequate tread and proper pressure, and keep your windshield wipers, defroster, and washer fluid in good working order so visibility stays sharp throughout the trip.
