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Black ice and what to look for

OMAYRA ACEVEDO
Posted 1/29/25

Some may think black ice generally occurs in only certain areas, but it can happen at any time, anywhere. Black ice only requires the right circumstances and a little moisture to form. 

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer forming on roads...

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Black ice and what to look for

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PEAK TO PEAK - Some may think black ice generally occurs only in certain areas, but it can happen at any time, anywhere. Black ice only requires the right circumstances and a little moisture to form. 

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer that forms on roads when cold air mixes with residual moisture. For example, snow melts and refreezes overnight or after a rainstorm.

Black ice is a dangerous driving hazard, and difficult to see, as it blends into the road environment. It is more likely to form when the sun isn’t heating the road—usually early in the morning and in the evening. 

However, this doesn’t mean it won’t form in the middle of the day during a storm.

Black ice is slippery, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Don’t rely solely on your four-wheel drive, for that doesn’t always keep you safer. 

To avoid black ice:

  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast.

  • Keep up with vehicle tire maintenance.

  • Drive with low-beam headlights on, even during the day.

  • Leave extra space between your car and the car in front of you.

  • Slow down when driving in potentially icy conditions, particularly in curves.

  • Look for pavement that looks dry but appears darker in color.

  • Avoid driving distracted. 

If you encounter black ice, do the following: 

  • Stay calm.

  • Ease your foot off the accelerator.

  • Do not activate your brakes.

  • If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, you can use the brakes if there's a lot of skidding.

  • Let your car pass over the patch.

  • Keep your steering wheel straight.

  • If your entire car starts to slide, gently turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide.

  • If the back end of your car slides, gently turn the steering wheel in the same direction.

  • If you run off the road, try to steer into an empty patch of land or a snowbank.

  • After the encounter, alert other drivers by flashing your lights.

Oftentimes, black ice patches are small. Nonetheless, if you encounter one at the wrong angle or time, it won’t take much to find yourself in an uncompromising situation. According to Colorado injury attorneys, 35% of all car accidents in the U.S. are caused by adverse weather, and 70% of winter deaths are attributed to snow and ice. 

For more information on driving on black ice, check out this helpful pdf created by the Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd488148.pdf.