Driving tips for different weather conditions – Black Ice
Added November 2012
It was two years ago that I learnt to check the outside temperature before setting off for a car journey.
It was a very typical November morning: chilly with some wet patches & some signs of rain fall. I sat in my car & drove 20 miles to work. As I left the last roundabout before reaching my office, there was a man waving at me trying to sign something… As I went past him, I was able to see the sight of 2 cars that had crashed: one into the kerb with its alloy completely smashed & the second one wedged into a concrete wall.
moreIt was the Black Ice that has caused these 2 crashes. It was completely unexpected as no one could foresee the icy conditions this morning.
Black ice tends to form at around 0, -1 degrees, therefore it is useful to be aware & to keep an eye out for the outside temperature. Being aware will help to prepare you and to react to adverse weather conditions. Black ice also forms when the rain falls on the ground and instantaneously freezes to the ground in low temperatures.
Black Ice is being called it because whilst being transparent, it allows black asphalt to be seen through it.
So are there any other commonalities about Black Ice?
1) Black ice tends to form on parts of the road without much sunshine, such as along a tree-lined route or a tunnel.
2) Black ice will form more frequently on roads that are less travelled on.
3) Black ice forms readily on bridges, overpasses and the road beneath overpasses. This is because the cold air is able to cool both the top and under side of the bridge or overpass, bringing about faster freezing.
Try to remain calm and do not overreact by hitting the brakes or doing sharp moves. You can slow down by de-accelerating or shifting into a lower gear. This will give you more control over the car. Actually, do as little as possible. This will help to avoid sliding and skidding.