Black ice is like the dark soul of winter. Thousands of collisions and fatalities — and many more near-misses — are blamed each year on this weird weather phenomenon. 

Snow, rain, hail, sleet… everyone knows what these are. But black ice is like the bonus precipitation no one ever needed.  

We’ve all heard of yellow snow (and know NOT to eat it). And thanks to the perennial Christmas classic, A Christmas Story, we know not to try to taste any that have been frozen on to a pole. 

Black ice is a more mercurial weather pattern: it forms as a thin layer of transparent ice that easily blends in with dark pavement on roads and bridges.  

It can be a vicious weather cycle: after a snowfall, when temperatures start to rise, the snow begins to melt and naturally the ground becomes wetter. But if a cold front boomerangs back in, then those same puddles can crystallize and freeze up again, this time turning into black ice.  

This makes it nearly invisible to both drivers and pedestrians alike — and therefore, quite dangerous. 

Black ice often forms on paved surfaces rather than grass or dirt roads. Bridges, overpasses, and the roads beneath overpasses are also more likely to see black ice. This is due to cold air freely flowing beneath the bridge (as opposed to regular pavement) and thus, chilling those roads even faster. The same pattern happens with roads underneath because cold air gets trapped, leading to faster freezing. 

Black ice is also more common on parts of the road where the sun might more likely get blocked, such as along tree-lined streets. 

While black ice can form at any time (that is cold, obviously), black ice more often forms late at night or early in the morning, when temps are typically at their lowest.  But just because it doesn’t occur as often during the day doesn’t mean that it never forms. So always remain cautious in cold weather. 

Like rain and regular snow, black ice can make the roads difficult to properly steer.  

And because the sight of black ice is so hard to detect (even in well-lit roads or during daylight hours), drivers are often unaware of the condition until they’re mid-skid. 

As always, remain calm while driving. Don’t slam on the brakes and try to keep your steering wheel straight. Struggling against a skidding car, can risk spinning further out of control. 

Instead of hitting the brakes, lift your foot off the accelerator to try to slow down. You may also be able to shift into a lower gear for more control. 

Hopefully, your tires will soon find traction (black ice is often — but not always — spotty on the road). You can also head for an area where you see traction, such as spots with dirt or sand or slow-covered areas without the black ice glaze. 

Winter weather can be dangerous weather so stay cool as you remain alert and prepared and check out our blogs on:  

• 5 Essentials for a Winter Survival Emergency Kit 

• Winter Rx: Cold Weather Guide 

• Do’s and Don’ts of How to De-Ice Your Windshield 

• Car Thefts Spike in Winter: Don’t Leave Your Car Unattended 

As always, empowered drivers are safer drivers, more thoughtful drivers, and more engaged drivers. Check out more helpful tips, including:   

• Time to Replace Your Windshield Wipers 

• 9 Surprising Hacks to Save Money at the Gas Station 

• 6 Ways to Defend Yourself From Drunk Drivers 

The more informed you are, the more likely you will select the right insurance policies that fit your needs. Check out more posts on car insurance:  

• Insurance 101: What is Property Damage Liability 

• Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism? 

• Current State of the Personal Auto Insurance Market