How To Avoid Accidents on Black Ice
Black ice is bad news, and it has the potential to send your car spiraling onto oncoming traffic. Although black ice is transparent, it appears black when it forms over a black surface, such as asphalt. Not only is this ice almost impossible to see, but it can be almost anywhere on the road. While there is no surefire way to tell if you’re running into black ice, there are some signs to look for that will help you know if black ice is coating the road. How Does Black Ice Form? Black ice hides in plain sight and can easily make you lost control of the road. Here are some reasons why black ice forms: When the snow melts during the day and makes the roads wet, then refreezes at night as clear ice. Intense rainfall that results in puddles forming on the road before the temperature drops and freezes solid. Moisture that condenses in the air and creates a dew that freezes on the road. For black ice to form, the surface of the road must drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are all susceptible to experiencing black ice since cold air flows underneath and above elevated surfaces. How Can I Spot Black Ice? As mentioned above, be on the lookout for anywhere that sunlight can’t reach. Heavily traveled roads usually don’t experience black ice as empty, suburban roads do. Timing matters, so if you’re traveling at night in the winter, you’ll hit black ice. Black ice forms when the temperature drops, so have a heightened sense of security on the road from sunset to sunrise. Check your car’s thermometer before you take off. Nighttime black ice looks different from daytime black ice. At night, look out for patches of pavement that are darker compared to the rest of the road. During the day, watch out for glossy, wet-looking surfaces that are around shaded parts of the road. Watch other drivers that are in front of you to better identify black ice conditions. Pay attention to other drivers’ tires. Sometimes, it can be tricky to tell the difference between black ice and a puddle on the road. If the road is glistening and you can see tires spraying up water, then it’s safe to assume that there isn’t any black ice. How Can I Stay Safe? Driving over black ice is similar to driving in the snow, except you’ll have to be even more careful. The main difference between driving in the snow and driving over black ice is that snow offers a little bit of traction for your tires; on the other hand, black ice is completely smooth. A smooth road means that your tires won’t have any grip. When you reach a patch of black ice, remove your foot from the accelerator immediately. Keeping a straight wheel is advisable so that you can coast safely over the black ice. Avoid sudden movements when driving on ice, such as turning your steering wheel because you’ll lose control of your vehicle. Don’t slam your brakes under any circumstances. The probability of getting into a car wreck increases exponentially when you drive on black ice. If you find yourself in an unfortunate car collision, you’ll need to work with a personal injury lawyer. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton to work with one of our veteran injury lawyers.
Winterizing Your Car
If you live in an area that’s prone to extreme snowfall, then you’ve practiced the process of winterization. Winterization is when you prepare something for the winter; it can be anything. Plants, garages, your home’s pipes, and anything else that can be secured for the winter. Cars are no exception, and you’ll need to winterize your car if you expect it to make it through the winter. A few decades ago, winterizing your car was an elaborate ritual that you had to start doing months before winter. Thanks to modern technology, today’s cars don’t have to go through the process of extensive winterization routines. Cars can start in the coldest of weather without their owners having to spend several minutes or even hours doing anything special. That being said, there are a few steps that you should take to ensure that your car can be driven safely in the cold. You don’t want to be snowed in at home because you weren’t prepared for the weather—especially when it could easily be avoided. Invest in Snow Tires If you live in an area where it only mildly snows, then you don’t have to trade in your regular tires for snow tires. However, everyone else needs tires that are resistant to heavy snowfall. Snow tires are made of a rubber material that’s even softer than that of regular tires. This rubber allows snow tires to retain their flexibility in the unforgiving cold. Moreover, snow tires are designed with tread patterns that are meant to grip snow and ice. However, you shouldn’t get the wrong impression about snow tires. While snow tires are superior in the winter compared to year-round tires, they won’t magically prevent your car from slipping and sliding on black ice. At the same time, they will keep you significantly safer than regular tires if you drive slowly and safely. Replace Your Wiper Blades How will you be able to see the road if there’s a build-up of winter precipitation and salt on your windshield? Here’s the answer: you won’t be able to see it. Functioning windshield wipers and an endless supply of wiper fluid is your saving grace. Wiper blades only work well for one year, so you’ll need to replace yours if they’re frayed. There are even winter wiper blades designed for intense winters that you can invest in. Check Your Tire Pressure If you don’t change your tires out for snow tires in the winter, the least you can do is frequently check your tire pressure. This means you’ll have to increase the number of times you check your tire pressure every month. Cold weather will cause your tire pressure to plummet, so you’ll need to ensure they are properly inflated for the winter. Adequately inflated tires guarantee that your tires will keep contact with the road, which is necessary for safe traction. Winterizing your car to the best of your ability should keep you safe in adverse conditions, but if you’re involved in a collision, you’ll need the help of an injury lawyer. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today if you need a personal injury lawyer.
Common Winter Car Accidents
Utah winters bring bitter cold and heaps of snow and ice. Winter conditions are more than an inconvenience, as they negatively impact roadway safety. Each year, there are over 1,300 deaths, and 116,000 reported injuries related to winter car accidents. There are several reasons as to why driving in the winter can prove to be a challenge. Here are the most common causes of winter car accidents. Snow Lowers Visibility Winter storms may be intriguing to look at from your window, but they can be a pain to drive through on the road. Snowstorms reduce visibility for drivers, which poses a hazard for other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and wild animals. A combination of snow being blown across the street by powerful winds as well as thick fog makes it difficult for drivers to see their surroundings. Safety should be your main priority each time you’re on the road, but during the winter, you need to heighten your sense of security. Accidents can be avoided by driving even more slowly and carefully, and by being hyper-vigilant of your surroundings. Slippery Roads An excess of snow and ice on the road can create a significant hazard for drivers. Snowy roads impair a driver’s ability to slow down on time, come to a full stop, and maneuver turns and hills. Black ice, which is when water freezes over the road, is all too common during the winter. This type of ice is almost like an illusion, as it appears black when it’s transparent. Since black ice is nearly impossible to see when you’re busy focusing on the road, driving over it can lead to a complete loss of control. Slick roads can lead to the following accidents: Rear-end collisions: Difficulty in slowing down and stopping results in drivers hitting the car that’s in front of them. This is especially common at intersections. Sliding: A driver’s inability to stop can lead to a car sliding past a stop sign or red light. This, in turn, leads to other vehicles and pedestrians being struck. Parking lot accidents: Parking lots are one of the last places you’d expect to get hit because people tend to drive slowly through them. However, parking lots are more challenging to navigate during the winter. Even the most meticulous of drivers are susceptible to a parking lot crash, as the lot may not be sufficiently plowed or de-iced. Improper Vehicle Care Vehicle maintenance year-round is important, but you should consider checking on your car’s maintenance twice as much during the winter. If you live in an area where it doesn’t stop snowing, check your vehicle each time you use it. Your car is dependent on its essential systems and components being in their best shape for winter travel. Worn tire treads will further complicate your ability to slow down, stop, and turn because your tires will lack traction. Dull windshield wipers and a broken defrost system will lead to windows coated in ice, and you won’t be able to see. Taking extra driving precautions during the winter will keep you, other drivers, and pedestrians safe. If you experience a tragic car accident, you’ll need to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today.