BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
When snowflakes start falling or the rain turns to sleet, most drivers know to be extra cautious. However, not everyone is aware that winter has a trick up its sleeve that’s much harder to see coming: black ice. It’s that nearly invisible, glassy layer of ice that can turn a quiet drive into a white-knuckle experience in seconds.
“It can be present when there is no precipitation, so it can sneak up on you,” explains Michael Muccilli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. And that’s exactly what makes it so dangerous. Unlike snow or slush, black ice doesn’t announce itself. It’s thin, nearly invisible, and can send your tires into a spin before you even know what hit you.
What is black ice?
Despite its ominous-sounding name, black ice isn’t actually black. It gets its name from how it blends in with the dark asphalt beneath it, making it practically invisible to the eye, especially at night. This type of ice forms when a thin layer of moisture freezes into a smooth, clear sheet, with none of the air bubbles that usually make ice look cloudy or white.
Most commonly, black ice forms during freeze-thaw cycles, when temperatures hover around freezing. During the day, rain or melting snow might wet the pavement. Then at night, as temperatures dip below freezing, that moisture hardens into an icy, slick surprise.
“You need some kind of liquid—rain, snowmelt, or even fog—for black ice to form,” Muccilli says.
And yes, it can sneak up even when it’s ‘above freezing’
Your car’s thermometer might say 34°F, but don’t let that fool you. If the road surface itself is still colder than the air, ice can still form. That’s especially true early in the morning or late at night, when surfaces haven’t had a chance to warm up. So if you’re heading out during those hours and the roads look “just wet,” it’s wise to assume black ice could be part of the mix.
Climate change may also play a role. In colder areas, warmer average temperatures could cause more freeze-thaw cycles, which may actually increase black ice conditions. In warmer zones, however, black ice could become less frequent as temperatures stay further above freezing.
Where you’re most likely to run into it
Black ice can form anywhere temperatures drop, but certain areas are more prone than others. Keep an eye out on:
Bridges and overpasses.
These cool down faster than ground-level roads since they’re exposed to air on all sides.
Shaded roads or underpasses.
Without sunlight to warm the pavement, these areas stay icy longer.
Low-lying areas or dips in the road.
Moisture collects here, making it easier for ice to form.
Driveways, sidewalks, and porches.
It’s not just a hazard for drivers. Black ice also causes plenty of pedestrian slips and falls each winter.
Even exhaust fumes.
Exhaust fumes from idling cars can freeze on cold pavement, especially at intersections, contributing to the formation of black ice.
How to recognize and handle black ice on the road
The bad news is that you might not be able to spot black ice before you’re already on it. But there are a few subtle clues: a patch of pavement that looks shinier than the rest, or one that reflects light differently at night.
Still, your best defense is to assume black ice might be out there anytime temperatures are near freezing and the roads are damp.
If you feel your vehicle start to slide, resist the urge to panic.
“Do not slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel, as this will cause you to lose control completely,” says Ernesto Urbaez, a pavement engineering expert at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Instead:
- Keep the wheel straight
- Take your foot off the gas
- Let the car slow down naturally
If you need to brake, and your car has ABS (anti-lock brakes), apply firm, steady pressure. If you don’t have ABS, gently pump the brakes while staying calm and focused.
“Black ice usually appears in small patches,” Urbaez adds. “So if you stay composed and keep your wheels straight, you will likely regain control within a few seconds.”
Final thoughts: stay smart, stay safe
Black ice doesn’t make much of a scene. It doesn’t crunch like snow or slosh like slush. But it can turn everyday roads into unpredictable danger zones if you’re not careful. By understanding where and how it forms and knowing what to do if you hit a patch, you’re better prepared to keep your wheels on track and your nerves intact.
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