Most of us know how dangerous winter roads can be, particularly when it's snowing and ice covers the blacktop around every corner. One thing that many drivers don't realize, however, is that dreaded black ice, transparent and potentially deadly, begins to appear as early as November when the colder temperatures of fall arrive.
Even when it hasn't rained or snowed, mist and overnight dew can freeze into sheets of translucent black iciness, making driving at dusk and during the night especially hazardous. A road that seems otherwise safe may become dangerous in an instant when condensation freezes on bridges and overpasses. Tires lose traction easily on this type of surface, causing unexpected spinning of the wheels and sudden loss of control.
Black ice has been known to cause some of the most serious automobile accidents in the country during this time of the year. Being aware of the conditions that lead to this problem and knowing how to get yourself quickly out of a tricky situation can truly make the difference between getting home safely and being involved in a fatal wreck.
If you ever find yourself facing a situation in which your car hits a thin patch of invisible, frozen water, the first thing to do is stay calm. This may prove difficult in the heat of the moment, but keeping a level head is key to staying safe. When you feel your car begin to lose traction and swerve or fishtail, your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes to stop your forward momentum. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst moves you can possibly make when dealing with these conditions.
Rather than brake hard and potentially throw your car into an uncontrolled spin, experts recommend that you remember this simple advice when dealing with snow or frozen streets: look ahead, pump breaks smoothly rather than bearing down on them, stay aware of your surroundings and don't panic. Though it may seem to counter your initial reaction when you begin to slide, carefully turn into the skid and slowly accelerate to maintain control of the vehicle.
When it comes to driving on precarious roads this time of year, it's always best to use caution and go slow wherever possible. Watch the weather and don't go anywhere unnecessarily when the streets are likely to be icy. It's always better to keep safety first and foremost in your mind and wait until the weather clears improves before you get behind the wheel.