A line of cars drives down a snowy forest road, showing one area where black ice is likely to form.

Driving in a blizzard can be nerve-wracking, but did you know that most winter-related collisions happen once the snowfall ends? That’s because melted snow on the road can freeze and cause hazardous driving conditions. Along with brushing up on your winter-driving skills, learn more about black ice for a safe winter road trip.   

What is black ice?

Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice. It’s called black ice because it blends into the black pavement of roads, making it difficult to see.

Winter roadways can become wet with puddles when the temperature rises above freezing, there’s heavy fog, it’s raining, or the sun comes out. But if the ground is still wet once the temperature drops, this layer of moisture can freeze into a thin layer of black ice.

How can I spot black ice?

Because it blends in so well with pavement, it can be hard to spot the difference between black ice and a dry road. But you usually can see black ice if it’s bright outside. Look for parts of the road with a glossy sheen compared to dull pavement. This could be a sign there’s black ice, so proceed with extra caution.

Do you know how to spot black ice? Keep an eye out for shiny patches on the road and proceed with caution after a recent snowfall or if temperatures quickly swing below freezing.

How can I avoid driving over black ice?

Along with keeping an eye out for shiny patches on the road, there are certain areas of the road where black ice is more likely to form.

If temperatures quickly shift to below freezing, be extra careful when driving in these areas:

  • Bridges and overpasses. Cold air flows easily under the roadway on bridges and overpasses, drastically lowering the pavement temperature and causing ice to form.
  • Tree-lined streets. Ice is more likely to form in shady areas, like roads lined with large trees.
  • Roads that run along a river or stream. Water vapour from nearby bodies of water can freeze into black ice on roadways.

What should I do if I start skidding on black ice?

The most important thing to do if your car starts to swerve on black ice is to STAY CALM! Take a deep breath and follow these steps to get your car back under control:

  1. Don’t slam on the brakes. Hitting your brakes hard can send you sliding out of control, especially when turning. Press the brakes softly and early while driving in a straight line to safely slow down before making a turn.
  2. Look in the direction you want to go in. Keep your eyes on where you want to go to avoid accidentally steering yourself further off course.
  3. Gently turn your steering wheel in the direction your backend is sliding in. Jerking the wheel in the opposite direction could cause your car to spin.
  4. Apply even pressure to the brakes if your car has an ABS (anti-locking braking system). If you’re still skidding, apply even pressure to your brake pedal and allow your car’s ABS to pump the brakes until you come to a stop.
  5. Use the heel-and-toe method if your car doesn’t have ABS. Keep your heel on the floor and use only your toes to gently pump the brakes to help you slow down. If your wheels start to lock, quickly reduce pressure on the brake pedal and repeat the process until your car stops.

If you start skidding on black ice, make sure you look in the direction you want to go and lightly pump your brakes or rely on your vehicle’s ABS to slow down.

Winter driving comes with some unique challenges, so prepare yourself for all road conditions to make your trip a safe one. Looking for other ways to stay safe on the road? See how installing a set of winter tires can have you confidently cruising all season long.

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