Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Black ice – the danger you don’t see
One of the greatest dangers of winter driving is black ice – a thin, dark coating of ice that forms when snow thaws and refreezes. Black ice is often invisible. You can watch for tell-tale signs, but it’s a hazard that can take you by surprise at any moment.
Know where black ice lingers
Black ice is so named because it often makes pavement look darker
than normal. Be aware
that black ice can linger in shaded areas, even
when roads are otherwise clear and dry. Intersections can also be dangerous
because car exhaust and spinning tires melt snow,
which then refreezes as
an invisible coating.
Give yourself room to deal with the unexpected
You never know when you might encounter black ice in the winter, so always:
- Increase your following distance.
- Slow down in advance of corners and intersections.
- Avoid sudden changes of direction or speed.
- Look for patches of road sand and gravel that will provide you with better traction.
If you begin to skid
- Take your foot off the gas.
- Shift the transmission into neutral.
- Look and steer in the direction you wish to go.
- Avoid using the gas and brake pedals.
Reminder
If you don’t have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and your brakes lock up, release the brake pedal and re-apply to the point just before lock-up. Remember that ABS may increase your car’s stopping distance.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV and check out the following sections on our website:
- Skidding in Driving Tips
- Anti-lock Brakes in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video on Skidding directly
