7 Tips To Deal With Black Ice This January
How to Deal With Black Ice
Road ice is slippery business, especially the kind you can’t see: Black Ice. Despite the name, black ice is completely clear. Because black ice allows you to see the road, it can be difficult to know when it’s present. With winter just around the corner, it’s important to know how to avoid the hazard of ice. In this article, we’re looking at some tips to keep you safe when the temperature drops.
1. Ensure you have proper footwear
Wear shoes with ample grip and traction. If your shoes have poor traction, you can improve their grip by scuffing up the soles before heading out into freezing conditions.
2. Do the shuffle
Walk like a penguin! Shuffle your feet to avoid slipping, and use handrails whenever possible. Try to maintain as much contact with the ground as you can.
3. Maintain your walkways
Shovel your driveway to reduce snow melt, and use sand to create traction on walkways and driveways. Use salt to keep high traffic walkways deiced.
4. Communicate with the people around you
When you locate black ice, let people know with signs or caution tape. If you’re walking with others, warn the people walking behind you. As a passenger in a vehicle, let people know if you spot ice on the road ahead.
5. Know where and when black ice will be located
Black Ice forms when ice or snow melts and then refreezes. When temperatures rise and then suddenly drop, you can expect black ice on the road. In locations where the sun shines during the day, ice can melt and then refreeze when the sun goes down at night.
6. Have the right tires on your vehicle
Make sure that you have the right tires on your vehicle. Winter tires will provide the best grip on icy days. For more ways to get your vehicle ready this winter, see our article, “How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter.”
7. Learn how to react when you hit black ice while driving
Know how to handle your car if you do hit black ice. First, decelerate your car by taking your foot off the gas pedal and gearing down. Never hit the break or accelerate. Keep your car pointed in the direction you want to go. If you do start slipping, head for a point of traction like snow or grass.
Source: Safety Line
