Safety Tips for Driving on Black Ice from State Farm Insurance and the 5th District NOPD According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 116,000 injuries and 1,300 fatalities occur in auto accidents on snowy or icy roads each year. A common culprit in many of these accidents is black ice, a transparent glaze that forms without bubbles, allowing it to easily blend into the surface of the road. Decrease your chances of injury this winter by learning more about this slippery hazard Recognize Icy Conditions Black ice is most likely to form when there is a sudden temperature drop such as in the early morning and evening hours. Common problem areas are bridges, overpasses and shaded areas of the road. These areas have much colder surfaces that rapidly freeze when air moisture makes contact—especially if theyre near lakes or rivers. Detect Warning Signs When favorable conditions are present, be on high alert. Black ice looks a lot like wet blacktop. Look for these warning signs: Absence of water spray on a seemingly wet road Cars suddenly swerving or skidding Brake lights ahead Cars or tire tracks in the ditch Shiny surfaces next to a dull black Stay Calm on Black Ice If youre caught on black ice, use these tips to maneuver past the problem area: Do nothing: Avoid making sudden moves or turning the wheel. Smoothly lift your foot off the accelerator and glide across the ice in a straight line until you find traction. Shift: If possible, slowly shift to a lower gear for added control. Brake wisely: If you begin to skid, firmly press on your brakes to activate the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Or, if you dont have ABS, pump the brakes gently. Avoid spinout: If your front end is sliding, steer in the opposite direction of the skid; if the back end is sliding, steer in the same direction. Look toward where you want to go: Avoid looking where you think you might crash—you might inadvertently veer the car in that direction. Avoid the Potential for Accidents To stay safer on the road this winter—in a variety of conditions—exercise these preventive measures: Check road conditions before you travel. Slow down and dont tailgate. Never use cruise control when road conditions are uncertain or changing. Use snow tires. Dont rely on all-wheel drive for ice—it wont help you gain traction. Additional information on winter driveing can be located at : learningcenter.statefarm/safety-2/auto-2/worst-case-winter-driving-survival/
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:25:29 +0000
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