As a new driver or someone who’s just moved to the area, you may ask yourself, “how do I identify black ice on the roads this winter?” The truth is that black ice can be hard to spot, especially if you’re not familiar with the driving conditions in the area. But don’t worry—we’re here to help. We’ll explain what black ice is and how you can identify it while driving this winter season.
What Is Black Ice?
Black ice, also known as clear ice, is a thin coating of frozen water on the surface of roads. It’s nearly transparent and difficult to see because it blends in with the pavement. When temperatures drop during the winter months, any standing water on the road will freeze into a slick surface that can be very dangerous for drivers.
How to Spot Black Ice on The Road
Unfortunately, there are no easy ways to tell if a road is covered in black ice without driving over it. There are some signs that you can look out for when driving that could indicate that a patch of the road might be icy. For example:
- A change in color between wet and dry areas on the road
- A glossy sheen or reflection off of certain areas of pavement (especially at night);
- An unusually smooth texture or lack of texture on certain patches of pavement; and
- Puddles or icy patches near guardrails or bridges (these spots tend to freeze faster than other parts of the road).
If you notice any of these signs while driving, proceed with caution and take extra care when maneuvering around them.
Another way to stay safe when driving in cold weather conditions is by ensuring that your car has proper tire tread depth and good quality tires installed. Tires with good tread depth provide more traction when navigating slippery surfaces such as black ice. Check your tires regularly throughout the winter months—better safe than sorry!
Kansas and Missouri Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have been involved in an accident due to hazardous winter conditions such as black ice this season, contact our team at DiPasquale Moore today. Our experienced attorneys are here to help protect your rights and make sure you receive all necessary compensation for any injuries suffered due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness behind the wheel. Stay safe out there!
Call us at (816) 888-7500 or visit our website to get in touch with a member of our team today.