What is black ice and is it safe to drive on? Top tips for driving in the wintry UK weather
BLACK ice can prove a nightmare for drivers navigating treacherous, slippery roads, and you won't even see it coming.
Here's what we know about the dangers that come with wintry weather - and how to prepare yourself best for driving over the coldest months.
The ice is commonly found on bridges, overpasses and parts of the road which are shaded by trees
How to drive safely on ice?
Driving in hazardous wintry conditions can challenge even the most experienced motorists.
The best advice is to not drive unless absolutely necessary.
If you genuinely do have to drive, make sure you prepare in case you get stranded in a snow drift.
Make sure you clear all your windows – it’s actually illegal to drive if you can’t see out of all of them - and try to stick to major roads which should have been gritted.
Also be sure you have a full tank of fuel, and check the oil and other engine fluids before you set off.
You should also keep your distance, as it can take ten times as long to come to a stop in icy conditions compared to normal.
Motorists should leave at least 20 seconds’ distance from the car in front to make up for shorter braking distances.
What is black ice?
Black ice, also known as thin ice, is simply a clear coat of ice.
It blends in with road pavements because it is so fine, making it almost impossible to see.
If temperatures rise above freezing after it's snowed, or there is reduced cloud cover, snow will slowly melt and cause road surfaces to become wet.
If the temperature drops below freezing while the ground is wet, black ice will form on paved surfaces.
The ice can also form if moisture in the air condenses, forms dew or fog before the temperature drops below freezing.
Roadways can become very slippery when the black ice forms, creating hazardous driving conditions.
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If you get caught in areas of black ice, you should try and keep your steering wheel straight.
Turning the wheel increases your chances of sliding and losing control.
Do not suddenly brake. Braking causes the vehicle to slide. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator to reduce speed.
Leaving a larger gap between the car in front of you than normal will give you enough room to let the car stop on its own if possible.
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