The Dangers of Black Ice

There are many weather-related dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle. Rain, of course, can make the roads slick and can drastically reduce visibility. Similarly, snow or ice on the road makes it quite easy for the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The one good aspect of these hazards is the fact that you know when they are present; you can see rain and snow. You can’t, however, see black ice on the road.

As its name suggests, black ice (also known as clear or glare ice) is very difficult to see. Because there is little air between it and the road, black ice is clear in nature. It therefore tends to blend in quite well with the road where it remains, camouflaged and in wait for unsuspecting drivers to pass over it.

Black ice is a very real threat on structures such as bridges and overpasses, because these roadway features allow cold air to circulate both above and below them. Therefore, the surface temperature drops much quicker than the surface temperature of non-elevated roads.

Black ice can also form and remain on road surfaces, even if the outside ambient air temperature is a few degrees above the freezing point, and even if there has been no precipitation. Black ice can form out of moisture from vehicles’ exhaust systems, if the road surface temperature is low enough.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about black ice, how to spot it, and how it poses a danger to you, then the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of William Palmer & Associates, P.C. can help. Our attorneys have the skills and experience necessary to answer your questions. To learn more, contact us today by calling 702-888-2222.