Black Ice Poses Hidden Dangers For Drivers

The heavy rain associated with that major winter storm system moving across the country is out of West Alabama. But moisture left behind can be deadly when combined well below freezing temperatures and single digit wind chills.  That means any moisture left on roads and bridges could turn into dangerous patchy black ice.

“Black ice is one of the most dangerous hazards drivers face because it’s often invisible,” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor stated in a press release. “Roads may look wet but can be slick in an instant, especially overnight and during early morning hours. Preparing now and adjusting travel plans, in addition to practicing safe driving behaviors, can prevent serious crashes.”

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Both ALEA and ALDOT (Alabama Department of transportation) are warning motorist driving hazards have not disappeared because precipitation has ended.

"ALDOT crews are currently pretreating priority roads and bridges as conditions permit in West Central Alabama," the state's roads department informed in social media posts a short time ago. The message said crews will continue to respond to problem spots throughout the event.

ALDOT is urging motorists to take driving in wintry conditions seriously and make safe decisions before heading out. Even treated roadways can become hazardous, especially when rain transitions to freezing conditions.

“In Central and South Alabama, rain combined with freezing temperatures can create slick roadways just as dangerous as ice or snow,” said Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), Colonel Jonathan Archer. “Bridges, overpasses, shaded areas and elevated roadways can freeze quickly, turning a routine drive into a serious risk.”

Both agencies offer the following advice to motorists:

• If you do not have to travel - DON'T! - Avoid travel until conditions improve.
• Slow Down! - If travel cannot be avoided, reduce your speed and increase your following distance, allowing extra room to stop. Plan additional travel time to reach your destination.
• Avoid sudden braking and steering - These actions can cause your vehicle to lose control.
• Make sure headlights are on low beam - That way you can see and other people can see you without being blinded.
• Avoid using cruise control on icy roads - This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you hydroplane.
• Use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses - Elevated roadways and roads near water freeze before other roadways. Shaded roadways are also susceptance to formation of black ice.
• Be alert for changing conditions - You can encounter patchy black ice before you realize it, especially overnight and early morning.
• What to do if you hit black ice -
  • As soon as your vehicle begins to slide on black ice, take your foot off the gas pedal. The last thing you want to do is give your car more gas. It’s very important to slow down when driving on black ice or in any other winter road conditions.
  • Don’t slam on the brakes. While it may be a natural instinct, this will only cause you to lose control of your car and slide even more. Tap the brake pedal lightly instead of pushing down hard on it.
  • If your vehicle does begin to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. This should help steer it back on the right track.
• Check road conditions before you travel - ALDOT ALGO Traffic

Triple A Alabama cautions that of the most dangerous aspects of black ice — besides being so slick — is that it’s difficult to see. While black ice can sometimes be seen in certain lighting, most of the time, it’s practically invisible. When conditions are slippery, be especially mindful of your surroundings and what is coming up ahead.

STAY SAFE!!!