BY SOLO INSURANCE®
What’s the big deal about black ice?
Invisible, the lurking danger of black ice is one of the most dangerous winter road hazards. Why? It sends cars to the ditch or guardrail before drivers even realize what’s happening. And, as far as auto insurance is concerned, it’s not the ice’s fault. So, drivers beware. According to the Federal Highway Administration, “Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.” (fhwa.dot.gov). Be extra cautious, especially when temperatures drop quickly.
What causes black ice?
Black ice forms when moisture on the road freezes as temperatures fall below 32°F. Any moisture, even fog or mist, freezes into a thin, transparent layer where the dark pavement shows through. Consequently, spotting the ice is difficult, often until it’s too late. Most often, it forms on/near bridges, overpasses, shady spots on roads, and during early morning or evening hours. To drivers, the road may just look wet, but it can be slick as glass and dangerous.
It’s not just northern states that experience this dangerous road condition. Black ice forms anywhere with water and freezing temps. Be aware anytime there are temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles or in higher elevations.
How does car insurance look at accidents when drivers hit ice patches?
Insurance companies hold drivers responsible for weather-related accidents. Why? Drivers have a duty to control the vehicles they’re in and avoid unsafe conditions. Accordingly, insurance companies consider hitting an ice patch, even if invisible, an at-fault incident. Drivers are at fault when they don’t reduce speed or over-correct in an icy situation.
What to do when conditions are right for black ice?
To beware of black ice, slow down and really increase your following distance in wintry weather. Avoid braking suddenly or turning sharply. To be ready if you hit a patch, keep both hands firmly on the wheel. If your car starts to slide, ease off the pedals and steer gently in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
Pro Tip: if you’re seeing cars in the ditch for no obvious reason, it could be black ice. Watch the cars ahead of you to see if they skid, slip or slide for clues.
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Key Takeaways
- Black ice forms anywhere it can when the conditions are right, creating hazards for all drivers.
- More commonly, states with varied winter weather or high elevations tend to see more of it.
- Dropping temperatures cause bridge areas, overpasses, and shaded spots to freeze faster than the rest of the road.
- Temperature fluctuations mixed with moisture cause black ice. Rapid drops below freezing after rain, snow melt, mist, or even fog create a thin layer of clear sneaky ice.
- Car insurance companies consider hitting an ice patch an at-fault accident.
Winter driving risks come each year, they can’t always be avoided. Auto insurance keeps you legal and protects assets when the unexpected happens. You can trust the experienced agents at Solo Insurance® who’ve helped people for over 30 years. Drive cautiously, stay alert, and remember—when roads look harmless in freezing temperatures, black ice may be lurking.
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