01/26/2025
1. Recognizing Black Ice
• Glossy Patches: Look for unusually shiny or wet-looking sections of the road, especially in shaded areas or under overpasses.
• Temperature Awareness: Black ice commonly forms when temperatures are near or below freezing (32°F or 0°C). Monitor your thermometer.
• High-Risk Areas: Pay close attention to bridges, overpasses, and areas shaded by trees or buildings.
2. Safety Tips
• Reduce Speed: Drive slower than usual to maintain better control on slippery roads.
• Increase Following Distance: Allow at least 8–10 seconds of following distance from the vehicle ahead to give yourself more reaction time.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Make gradual turns, lane changes, and stops to reduce the risk of losing control.
3. Emergency Response
• Stay Calm: Do not panic if your vehicle begins to skid.
• Corrective Steering: Gently steer in the direction you want your vehicle to go. Avoid overcorrecting.
• Brake Properly: If your vehicle has ABS, apply steady pressure to the brakes. For non-ABS systems, pump the brakes lightly.