How to Drive on Black Ice

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

If you have ever encountered black ice while driving, you know the pulse pounding, adrenaline pumping, heart dropping "Oh MY" feeling I refer to.

Crying Mommy! might help hold off the panic but won't keep you out of the ditch.

There are several items to be aware of that may help you avoid a near coronary in the first place.

Tuesday morning's drive to Big Rapids gave me a bit more first hand experience. The overpasses & underpasses were extra treacherous. The strong side wind was a significant factor as well. The pavement looked sugary, the right lane was glossy "in the groove", but was just as slick outside the groove.

1. Check the forecast. Conditions for black ice are fairly predictable by the weather services. Identifying it while on the road is difficult at best, unless you are already on it. Pavement with black ice will be a little darker and duller than the rest of the road surface.

2. Be extra aware of the traffic ahead (Uh... NOT by being closer) If you see brake lights, fish tailing cars, sideways cars or emergency flashers, slow down even more. Down shifting gently to a lower gear can help you stay within an engine speed range that will give you more control at lower speeds (if your engine is running at 1,500 rpm's it is much less responsive than at 2,500 or 3,000 rpms).

3. If you don't know how your vehicle responds in a skid, find a parking lot and TRY IT! Try it until your response becomes more natural. Build that "muscle memory". You need to react. Most of the time you won't have time to think about it. Front wheel drive responds differently than rear wheel drive and all wheel drive. All wheel (or four wheel) drive is a wonderful thing, but you can't fight physics. On black ice, we're all about equal. Anti-lock brakes make very little difference on black ice, they rely on at least one wheel having at least partial traction to activate effectively.

4.If your tires are worn, all of the conditions above are multiplied exponentially. I often preach and ALWAYS practice that good tires are cheap insurance.

5. If you hear that black ice is expected, stay where you are if you can.

Black ice can lead to a scary, expensive hard ditch landing or worse. Take the time to know the feel of your ride, look at the forecast and avoid the gottagetthereitis we all suffer from at times.