Driving on black ice can be very dangerous and unexpected. This ice is not actually black, of course. It is clear, thin and exceptionally smooth. This makes it appear black to drivers because it blends into the pavement. As such, part of the hazard of driving on black ice is that you may not know it’s coming until you hit it.
So how should you react? You don’t want to lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Don’t hit the brakes
First and foremost, many people react by slamming on the brakes. But this is just going to cause your car to slide or skid, and it may make it more likely that you lose control. Do not slam on the brakes on the ice.
Take your foot off of the gas
It is smart to slow down, of course, helping the car regain control and reducing your speed in a potential accident. But the proper way to do it is just to remove your foot from the gas pedal or the accelerator. You can then focus on steering while the car slows itself down gradually.
Steer into the skid
Finally, if you do start spinning or losing control, try to steer carefully into the spin. Don’t overcorrect, which can make your situation worse. Try to make smooth movements and regain control of the vehicle before it leaves the roadway.
Understanding how to drive on black ice is important, but other drivers are still going to make mistakes and cause accidents. If you suffer injuries as a result, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.
