Where are you most likely to encounter black ice?

• Roadside snow banks melting during the day can create a thin layer of water by the roadside that can turn to ice as the temperature drops later in the afternoon.  On a hill or curve, the black ice can stretch across the entire roadway.
• Plowing often leaves a layer of snow between tire tracks on the road surface that can melt during the day and refreeze as black ice at night.  Sidewalks and bike paths may have snow on the uphill side, which melts across them and refreezes.
• Bridges and overpasses are prime territory for black ice, because air temperature beneath the bridge can drop lower than the ground temperature normally beneath the road. Highway departments are often reluctant to deposit salt on bridges to avoid the corrosive effects on the bridge’s metal, making bridges even more treacherous.
• Underpasses can also be prone to black ice, because they generally get no sunlight.  If the underpass is at the base of a descent, water will naturally pool there creating a dangerous "black ice" zone.
•  Car’s tailpipe spits out condensation (water).  Be cautious for black ice around areas where cars have been idling, for example, at traffic lights or in driveways.

If you do encounter Black Ice it is important to know how to navigate your car.  Please review our Guide on "How To Drive on Black Ice"

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident call the experienced car accident lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878