Difference between revisions of "Drive on Black Ice"
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[[Category:Car Emergencies]] | [[Category:Car Emergencies]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
| − | # Understand that black ice is like regular ice. It is a glaze that forms on surfaces (especially roads, [[Clean Ice off a Sidewalk|sidewalks]], and driveways) because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and re-freezing of snow, water, or ice on surfaces. It's called "black ice" because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road, although in reality, it's actually clear. Black ice forms without creating bubbles, which allows it to blend in with any surface it forms over.<ref>Science Buzz, Black Ice!, http://www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/black-ice-0</ref> Black ice is dangerous precisely because it's hard to detect in advance. | + | # Understand that black ice is like regular ice. It is a glaze that forms on surfaces (especially roads, [[Clean Ice off a Sidewalk|sidewalks]], and driveways) because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and re-freezing of snow, water, or ice on surfaces. It's called "black ice" because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road, although in reality, it's actually clear. Black ice forms without creating bubbles, which allows it to blend in with any surface it forms over.<ref name="rf1">Science Buzz, Black Ice!, http://www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/black-ice-0</ref> Black ice is dangerous precisely because it's hard to detect in advance. |
# Know where to expect black ice. Black ice usually forms just about the freezing point. Sometimes in frigid weather conditions on highways, black ice will form due to the heat of tires on the road coupled with the freezing temperature. Keep an eye on the weather and highway reports. | # Know where to expect black ice. Black ice usually forms just about the freezing point. Sometimes in frigid weather conditions on highways, black ice will form due to the heat of tires on the road coupled with the freezing temperature. Keep an eye on the weather and highway reports. | ||
| − | #*Black ice forms most commonly at night or in the early morning when the temperatures are at their lowest, or when the sun isn't around to warm the roads.<ref | + | #*Black ice forms most commonly at night or in the early morning when the temperatures are at their lowest, or when the sun isn't around to warm the roads.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Black ice tends to form on parts of the road without much sunshine, such as along a tree-lined route or a tunnel. It will also form more frequently on roads that are less traveled on. | #*Black ice tends to form on parts of the road without much sunshine, such as along a tree-lined route or a tunnel. It will also form more frequently on roads that are less traveled on. | ||
| − | #*Black ice forms readily on [[Drive a Car in Winter Weather|bridges]], overpasses and the road beneath overpasses. This is because the cold air is able to cool both the top and under the bridge or overpass, bringing about faster freezing.<ref | + | #*Black ice forms readily on [[Drive a Car in Winter Weather|bridges]], overpasses and the road beneath overpasses. This is because the cold air is able to cool both the top and under the bridge or overpass, bringing about faster freezing.<ref name="rf1" /> |
# Know when to expect black ice. Black ice tends to form in the early morning and evening. During the [[Tell Time Without a Clock|daylight]] hours, the road is usually warmer and less likely to create black ice. But remember: less likely does not mean "never". Always be prepared for the possibility of encountering black ice. | # Know when to expect black ice. Black ice tends to form in the early morning and evening. During the [[Tell Time Without a Clock|daylight]] hours, the road is usually warmer and less likely to create black ice. But remember: less likely does not mean "never". Always be prepared for the possibility of encountering black ice. | ||
#*See the signs of black ice. If you are driving and see cars suddenly swerve for no apparent reason, black ice is a likely cause. | #*See the signs of black ice. If you are driving and see cars suddenly swerve for no apparent reason, black ice is a likely cause. | ||
