What is black ice?
If you live in a place with wintery weather, you’ve probably heard drivers refer to black ice. It 
sounds scary and rare when in reality black ice is simply just ice. It gets its name because it is such a thin layer of ice with no visible bubbles making it possible to see black asphalt through it. This makes it nearly invisible to drivers.
When to look out for black ice?
Black ice forms on roads when ice or snow melts and then refreezes in a thin layer. For this reason it is good to be extra cautious while driving at temperatures that hover around freezing. Black ice is also commonly found in colder areas such as the bottom of hills, curves and stretches of road that are in the shade. Look out for black ice in the morning and the evening when the sun isn’t shining on the road.
What to do if you encounter black ice
If you grew up driving on wintery roads, you probably learned how to drive in snow and one of the first rules you learn is to steer your way through a skid and avoid hitting the brakes at all costs. The same is true for black ice. When you hit the brakes of your car, it is more likely that your car will continue slipping and cause a more dangerous crash. Another tip to avoid a collision is to always steer into the skid, if this makes your car skid in another direction, steer your car the other way. But, the best way to prevent a negative encounter with black ice is be aware of weather conditions and avoid driving if there is a high likelihood of black ice, if you can’t avoid driving, drive slower and more cautiously than you normally would. It can be dangerous to learn how to drive on ice.
What tools can help me avoid a collision after encountering black ice?
A handy thing to equip your car with is good tires. Depending on where you live, sturdy all weather tires with good tread depth might be enough for your winter driving. If you’re crazy enough to live in a place like Vermont, it might be worth investing in some studded snow tires to keep you safe on the icy winter roads. Good car insurance is another thing to keep under your belt. Accidents can and do happen, it’s always best to be prepared.
Can a lawyer help me determine who is at fault in a black ice car accident?
Yes! Insurance companies blame people not icy roads for accidents. For this reason, it is the insurance companies job to find out whose fault a collision really was. In situations involving icy winter roads, this could be you, the driver, the municipality company for not maintaining the roads, the road crew for not building roads with good drainage or even other drivers. A lawyer is helpful in helping to gather all the important information to support an insurance claim. If you are currently in an insurance dispute and need to talk with a lawyer call Larson and Gallivan Law at (802) 327-8458.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd488148.pdf
https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/black-ice-formed
https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/money/homeowners-insurance/what-is-black-ice/
https://www.lynchlawyers.com/blog/black-ice-accident-liability/
