Black Ice - Dangerous Road Car Accidents

What is Black Ice And Why is it Dangerous?

Once winter weather hits, most drivers slow down and use a bit more caution. Snow-covered roads, ice storms, and subzero temperatures have a way of bringing the driving school basics out of commuters. Some winter road hazards, however, appear long before the snow falls, and they can make roads just as unsafe. One particularly dangerous threat is black ice. It's invisible, but deadly.

Black ice is a thin coat of highly transparent ice that can lead to hazardous driving conditions in the winter. Black ice forms when moisture freezes in a thin layer on a road's surface. It's black because it's the same color as the road, making it hard to spot from behind the wheel. But not all black ice occurs naturally. If a road is not designed or maintained well enough to drain properly, black ice can form and cause an accident. If you're injured by black ice that should have been fixed by whomever is responsible for clearing the road, you may have a case.

Accidents caused by black ice can be terrifying. They can spin you out of control and slam you into another car or object. Maybe you were part of a multivehicle accident from another driver hitting black ice. Whatever the case, if you sustained an injury, you should know your rights.

When you hire our law firm, we'll guide you through the legal process. Our experienced team of attorneys and staff will answer your legal questions and do everything we can to get you the best possible verdict or settlement. We'll deal with the medical bills and insurance paperwork so you can focus on getting better.

You don't have to take care of your injuries and legal proceedings alone. Call 412-710-9581 or use the form in the top right corner of the page today for a free case review, and let us put our expertise to work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Conditions That Cause Black Ice

Black ice is a transparent coating of ice that's hard to see because it looks like a wet road surface. Although it is difficult to see, black ice is more likely to form in certain places and during certain times, so there are some warning signs drivers can look for, including the following:

• Black ice is likely to form after light rain falls on a road surface when the temperature is just below freezing (32 °F).
• Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because temperatures drop rapidly on elevated surfaces.
• Black ice is also more prevalent on parts of the road that don't get direct sunlight, such as tree-lined roads or tunnels.
• If most of the road is a dull black color, but there's a patch ahead that appears shiny, you may encounter black ice.
• Even if you have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, your vehicle can still lose traction on black ice.

Tips for Driving in Black Ice Conditions

If you're driving where or when black ice can occur, remember these tips:

• Drive slowly. Speeding when there is a possibility for black ice will give you less control if you do encounter an ice patch.
• The distance you need to stop your vehicle on black ice is about nine times the distance required to stop on a dry road.
• Use your headlights in the afternoon and evening to help you see any shiny spots on the road that could be black ice.
• Check your tire tread. If it is worn, you will have less traction if you hit a black ice patch.
• When there is a potential for black ice, never drive with your cruise control active.
• Steer slowly.

Recovering from a Black Ice Skid

If your vehicle is sliding on black ice, do not panic. There are ways to help you avoid a crash depending on what you're driving.

Front-wheel drive
Don't use your brakes or accelerator and turn your steering wheel the same direction your vehicle is skidding.

Rear-wheel drive
Steer your vehicle toward direction you want it to go and gently press the accelerator.

All-wheel drive
If you don't have antilock brakes, lightly pump your brakes while steering your wheel slowly out of the skid. If you have antilock brakes, brake normally.

Injured in an Accident?

If you were injured in a crash involving black ice, it is important to contact us right away. If temperatures rise and the ice melts, valuable evidence disappears. It doesn't matter if it's 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., our phones answer 24/7 and you'll receive a free legal consultation with no obligation to use our services. As soon as you hire us, our investigative team goes to work for you.

Don't delay - Let Edgar Snyder & Associates help you get back on track.