Summer has been and gone and the fall is now turning into winter. Temperatures in Kokomo, Indiana, have already reached sub-zero.
Sub-zero temperatures mean not only the potential for snow but also black ice. While snow can also be dangerous, it is evident, so drivers have some warning and a chance to prepare. Black ice is different because it is not visible.
There are some spots where black ice is more likely to gather, and these are outlined below.
Locations with restricted sunlight
In cold temperatures, ice forms on the road but can be melted once the sun rises. This isn’t the case for black ice. Black ice tends to form in shaded areas such as underpasses, bridges and tree-lined roadways. This is especially dangerous because drivers can go from one section of the road that has a lot of traction to a black ice area where traction instantly turns to zero. This can cause the car to lose control and hit objects or other vehicles, resulting in property damage and serious injuries.
What to do when hitting black ice
In any emergency situation, it can be tempting to hit the brakes as hard as possible. This is unlikely to help you on black ice. In fact, it could make matters much worse. Instead, focus on keeping your steering wheel straight. Patches of black ice tend to be small so your car is going to pass over them quite quickly. By staying in a straight line and not making any sudden movements you may just be able to keep control of the vehicle.
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, other road users can still cause accidents. If you’ve been hurt because of the negligence of another driver, make sure you look into your legal options.
