Ice can be the puppeteer in the winter; the vehicles are the puppets. Drivers may feel like they have little or no control on the roads, but it is the responsibility of the driver to know the best ways to prevent a crash when they’re on thin ice.
Anyone who has lived in Canada during the winter understands the horrors of winter driving and the invisible patches of black ice that take control of vehicles on the road. Andrew Mussoline, an AccuWeather Meteorologist, explains that black ice is a layer of ice that forms at 32 degrees or below while rain is falling. As soon as the rain falls and hits the road’s cold surface, black ice forms. The name “black ice” comes from the fact that this dangerous clear ice blends in with the asphalt on the road.
How to Spot Black Ice
Unfortunately it is near impossible to spot black ice on the roads because, as you now know, black ice is clear. One of the only ways to “spot” black ice is to use your car thermometer; if the temperature is near freezing, you should be cautious on the roads. Black ice normally develops at dawn and late at night—so make sure to look at the pavement before you attempt to drive in freezing temperatures.
These are a few tips on how to drive on black ice safely:
- When you are driving in dangerous weather conditions, driving slowly will allow you to make controlled decisions when the black ice appears.
- Slamming on the brakes will only propel your vehicle into a violent skid. Tap on the brakes or use your ABS brakes instead.
- By keeping a safe distance behind the car in front of you on the road, you leave room for mistakes if you happen to begin sliding on black ice.
- If there are cars sliding in front of you, make sure that you have your car in a lower gear so that you can take control when you approach the black ice.
- When you are on black ice, take your foot off of the gas. Stay calm and don’t trust your instincts in this situation: avoid braking and take your foot off of the gas.
When to Hire an Accident Claim Lawyer
Winter driving can be unpredictable and dangerous, but if a car accident does happen to occur on black ice, someone is always at-fault in the insurance company’s eyes. This is why drivers have the responsibility to drive safely and slowly on unsafe roads. The Fault Determination Rules are used in Ontario, no matter what the situation or road conditions look like.
An accident claim lawyer is the best person to hire after a car accident takes place because they will strengthen your case and fight for the compensation you deserve after an accident. If you feel that you were not at-fault, even considering the weather conditions, then an accident claim lawyer can help you prove otherwise. An accident claim lawyer will deal with your insurance company directly and file your claims for you after a car accident.
Although you may not have seen the black ice that propelled you into the car in front of you, insurance companies have to place someone at-fault in the accident. It is your responsibility to drive safely in the winter, and, if black ice coats the surface of the roads, it might be in your best interest to stay home or find a different means of transportation.
Sources:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/black-ice-driving-dangers/22052530
http://www.arifleet.com/publications/safety_tips/tips_for_driving_on_black_ice/
https://www.insurancehotline.com/how-fault-is-determined-in-a-winter-accident/