January 30th, 2019 by Chris Chapman

There are a lot of extra hazards to look out for when you’re driving in winter. The winter months bring harsh weather and long nights, a combination which can create perilous driving conditions. However, one of the most dangerous hazards to look out for when driving in winter is black ice. Black ice causes hundreds of accidents on UK roads every year, and, with a cold snap set to hit the country this week, drivers need to be aware of what black ice is and how to avoid it. This guide will walk you through what black ice is, how you can spot and avoid it, and what to do if you hit it.

What is Black Ice?

Black ice is simply a smooth sheet of ice that forms on a road surface. It occurs when water freezes immediately on contact with the road. Despite the name, black ice is actually clear (it takes its name from the colour of the road that you can see through it) and it doesn’t contain any visible bubbles or impurities so it’s really hard to spot. This is what makes it so dangerous – often, drivers don’t notice black ice until they’re sliding on it!

How Can I Spot Black Ice?

The only real way to spot black ice is to check the road before you get in your vehicle. Inspect the road and pavement for any dark or glossy-looking areas before you set off – if you can spot any, there is a high chance you’ll encounter black ice on your journey. Of course, just because there is no black ice around your car when you set off doesn’t mean you won’t find any as you drive! Unfortunately, black ice is hard to spot while you’re on the road, but you may be able to spot the telltale glossy sheen if you’re driving carefully with your headlights on at all times (even in daylight). It can still be difficult to identify black ice while you’re driving, though, so the best way to avoid black ice is to try and predict where it’ll form, and avoid those spots!

Where Does Black Ice Form?

Black ice can technically form anywhere if it’s cold enough, but it usually only appears in certain places. Shady spots that don’t get any sunlight are extremely prone to black ice, as are high bridges which tend to get much colder than other roads. Try and avoid these places when cold temperatures are forecast, especially at night and in the early morning when temperatures are lowest. A good rule of thumb is to try and stick to main roads wherever possible as they’re much more likely to be gritted and salted, which prevents water from freezing on the roads. Black ice can still form on gritted roads when the temperature drops to around -9°C, but this is incredibly rare in this country! Plan your route carefully and you should be able to comfortably avoid any black ice on the roads.

What to Do if You Hit Black Ice

While proper preparation helps, you may still encounter black ice on the roads at some point, especially if you’re driving through the night. If this happens, you’ll feel your vehicle start to feet light and floaty, like it’s barely gripping the road. It’s natural to want to slam on the brakes in this situation, but this is actually one of the worst things you can do! Hitting the brakes could result in an uncontrollable skid, so instead, gently lift your foot off the accelerator and focus on holding your steering wheel steady until you pass over the ice. Always be prepared for black ice whenever the temperature drops below freezing. Drive carefully and keep a good distance between your car and the car in front – black ice can more than double your normal stopping distance! Driving on salted and gritted roads is good for avoiding black ice, but it can lead to salt corrosion which can damage your car’s paintwork! Check out our guide to preventing salt corrosion for more info.