Black ice is a thin type of ice that can coat the roads. It is nearly invisible to drivers, so they don’t even realize that the pavement below them is so slick. But it can quickly cause them to lose control and make it impossible to stop or swerve to avoid an accident.
Because black ice often comes up unexpectedly, it’s important for drivers to know how to react in advance. Here are some tips that can help.
Reduce speed gradually.
It is wise to try to slow down if you’re on black ice, but don’t just slam on the brakes. This causes your car to go out of control and lose the little bit of traction that it has.
Instead, allow the car to slow down gradually by taking your foot off of the gas pedal. This will help you maintain control while also reducing speed.
Make smooth movements
If you have to maneuver, make sure to do so smoothly. Panicking and jerking the wheel from side to side is going to cause the car to spin. Instead, you want to smoothly guide your car around any potential hazards.
If you do start to spin, or if you feel the back end of your car losing grip, try to turn into the skid. This can help you regain control. Turning the opposite direction could cause your car to spin 360° and leave the roadway.
The hazards of black ice
If you react properly, you may be able to get through black ice without an accident. However, you can’t guarantee that other drivers around you won’t make any mistakes. If one of them hits your vehicle and you suffer serious injuries, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation.