The Dangers of Black Ice

Wisconsin regularly experiences severe winter weather, which can create treacherous driving conditions. One common winter driving hazard that can easily cause an accident is black ice.

Black ice occurs when water accumulates on a road’s surface and freezes in the cold weather, creating a slick, icy patch of pavement that can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

Because black ice looks like dark pavement and is difficult to identify, drivers are often unaware of the hazard until their vehicle loses traction with the road and begins to swerve.

There are certain safety maneuvers drivers should follow after encountering black ice:

• Take your foot off the gas pedal as soon as your car begins to slide on black ice. It is important to slow down when driving on black ice or on any other winter road condition.
• Do not slam on your brakes. Applying the vehicle’s brakes may be a natural maneuver, but it could cause the vehicle to lose control and increase instability. Instead, you should gently tap the brake to stabilize the vehicle and regain control.
• Look for potentially dangerous spots of road ahead. If you believe that the upcoming segment of the road may contain patches of black ice, slow down and shift to a lower gear to retain control of your vehicle.
• Turn the steering wheel into the direction that your vehicle is sliding. If your vehicle begins to slide on a patch of black ice, turning the wheel in that direction will help you regain control of the vehicle and correct its path.
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the other vehicles sharing the road. If you encounter icy conditions on the road, keeping your vehicle within a safe distance from others will help prevent multiple collisions if one were to lose control.
• Remember that bridges freeze before the rest of the road. Make sure to take extra care when approaching and crossing a bridge that could be frozen.
• Even large trucks and heavy vehicles, like tractors, are susceptible to dangerous roadway conditions.

There have been multiple winter weather announcements throughout Wisconsin since the beginning of January, and it is up to drivers to ensure that the state’s roads remain safe.

If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident in treacherous conditions that was caused by another’s negligent actions, you may have legal options. Contact a car accident lawyer near you in Milwaukee at our law firm for qualified legal representation – at no cost unless you are awarded compensation.

Call 414-333-3333 to schedule a free, no obligation review of your claim.