Stay safe on icy roads.
Motorists who live and work in areas where temperatures drop below freezing have an increased risk of encountering black ice on the roadways. Black ice is a thin, transparent sheet of ice that is notoriously difficult to spot. Because the ice allows the black color of the asphalt to shine through, black ice often appears as damp patches on the road. Drivers who unwittingly hit black ice can skid, increasing their chances of getting into a serious accident. To protect yourself this winter, here are some of the black ice precautions you should take.
- Check Weather Conditions
Black ice usually forms when temperatures drop below freezing after an area experiences precipitation. If it has recently rained or snowed, check to see what the temperature will be. While this is not a surefire way to predict black ice, this vigilance will help you be ready for the possibility.
- Know Where Black Ice Tends to Form
While black ice can form anywhere, bridges and the areas beneath overpasses are the most susceptible to ice formation. This is because bridges tend to freeze first and because the areas underneath overpasses do not get sunlight, so they also freeze rapidly. When driving through these areas, exercise extreme caution and keep your eyes peeled for icy sections.
- Drive Cautiously
Finally, if you are worried about black ice, drive extra cautiously. Scan your area more carefully, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance. Being vigilant could help you spot and avoid patches of black ice. Reducing your speed and increasing your following distance will reduce your chance of skidding and getting into an accident even if you do end up driving over icy roads.
These are some of the steps that you should take to take to stay safe while handling icy roadways. Want another way to protect yourself and your car? Make sure you have the right auto insurance in place. For assistance with all your car coverage needs, contact the experts at Scautub Agency in Scotia, New York today.