There are many seasonal road safety concerns that affect drivers in Indiana. Frequently, people assume that the roads become safer as temperatures rise. However, the reality is that warmer weather can create a very serious safety hazard.
Drivers dealing with falling snow or accumulating snow on the street generally understand that they need to reduce their travel speed, increase their following distance and make safety a top priority. As temperatures get warmer and the snow starts to melt, drivers may have a false sense of safety on the road.
In reality, warmer weather can set the stage for dangerous black ice development.
How does warmer weather cause black ice?
Any time the ambient temperature fluctuates above and below freezing, there is a risk of black ice developing. Black ice isn’t actually black in color. Like most ice, it is generally clear. People call it black ice because drivers often can’t see it on the asphalt of the road. Especially in low-light conditions, black ice can blend in with the street surface, making it hard for drivers to avoid.
Warmer weather causes black ice when snow and ice melt near the road. Even a small amount of meltwater can refreeze when temperatures drop again. Late winter and early spring often see snow and ice melting during the day, only to have the water produced refreeze on the street surface after the sun sets. Nighttime driving and morning commutes may expose drivers to slick road surfaces that affect their ability to stop or successfully maneuver.
Until temperatures remain above freezing overnight, the risk persists. Drivers who hit black ice may lose control of their vehicles. They may slip or skid. They may have a hard time slowing down or stopping. They might also slide or spin when they attempt to turn or merge. Motorists who are aware of the seasonal traffic hazards they face can appropriately adjust their driving habits.
If drivers fail to adjust their driving habits to seasonal road conditions, they might be responsible for any car crash that they cause. Weather conditions do not exempt a driver from responsibility for their behavior. Watching carefully for ice, especially black ice as temperatures rise, may help people reduce their overall crash risk.
