Looking Ahead: Be Aware of Black Ice
Now that it’s fall and the temperatures will begin to dip in the upcoming weeks, it is important to get ready for the change in seasons. If you've ever suddenly slid on the road, you've probably had an experience with black ice. Black ice is a thin layer of highly transparent ice that blends in with the color of the pavement on the road, making it especially dangerous.
Black ice is nearly impossible to see when you are driving, which is why it is considered a major driving hazard on American roads during late fall and winter. Now that fall is in full swing, it's an excellent time to keep yourself informed of the dangers of black ice so you will be prepared for the first frost of the season.
Black ice forms on the roads when the temperature is slightly above freezing, but the sun is shining. Snow on the ground melts and is then frozen over into a transparent layer when the temperature drops. Black ice can also form after a shower of freezing rain. Make sure to observe the conditions around you before getting into your vehicle to drive in the winter.
In order to avoid slipping on black ice, allow yourself extra time to break when coming to a stop sign. Many cars which come in for a fender bender or dent repair in Levittown, PA during the winter caused their damage by not allowing themselves enough time to break when coming to a stop and dinging the car in front of them.
If you feel yourself beginning to slide, resist the temptation to stomp on the breaks as this may cause your brakes to lock, increasing the chance that you will slip and slide off the road. Instead, slowly increase the pressure applied on the brakes until you feel the slipping begin to subside or you pass the ice patch. Most importantly, if sliding causes an accident, make sure to first move your car to a safe area before leaving the scene and seeking collision repair at Peruzzi Collision Center in Fairless Hills, PA.