OK, now that the snow, sleet and rain are temporarily gone, it is time to review how to drive on black ice. Black ice, which actually is not black but transparent, is a very thin but dangerous coating of ice that forms on the surfaces of roads at night and in the early morning when the temperatures are most likely below freezing.
Black ice can form after a rainstorm just as easily as it can after a snowstorm or sleet storm. All that is necessary for it to form is that the ground is below freezing, and that is not at all unlikely this time of year. There usually is no way that you can spot black ice visually or ahead of time; although sometimes it can appear as a "sheet of glass" at night in the moonlight. You usually don't know that black ice is there until you come upon it and your car spins, slides or does a 180 degree, "doughnut spin."
So what are the black ice rules of the road?
First of all, drive slowly if you suspect black ice is on the roadway. (If it is below freezing after a snowstorm, rain storm or sleet storm, or even during a foggy evening or morning, there most likely is black ice on the roadway).
Secondly, drive at a safe distance from the car in front of you. Remember to slowly count to 10 as you pace your distance and then stay at that distance as you drive. (You can do this by starting to count as the car in front of you passes a road sign. You should not come to that sign for at least 10 seconds or more after the car in front of you passes that sign. If you come across it sooner, then slow down and pace your distance again).
Thirdly, do not pump your brakes, especially if you have antilock brakes. Depress your brake pedal and hold it down. The antilock braking system will pump the brakes for you, and much more safely than you can do it. (If you do not have antilock brakes, consult your driving manual for advice on braking in black ice conditions).
Fourth, do not turn opposite a skid. If your car skids, slowly turn your vehicle in the direction of the skid and wait for your car to regain traction. Once it does, you can steer your car the opposite direction and resume driving straight.
Fifth, if you can, pull over and wait for the sun to melt the black ice in the morning. Listen to the Road Conditions FM radio stations that broadcast road and weather conditions 24 hours a day. Follow the advice provided by those stations.
Sixth, keep the air in your tires to manufacturers' specifications. Regularly rotate your tires and be sure that the tires have enough tread on them to attain adequate traction on the roadways.
Carry these things with you in winter conditions:
Carry these things with you in winter conditions:
1) Chains, even if you have an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle.
2) Extra sweaters, jackets, gloves, blankets and ear muffs in case you have to spend time outside in the elements because of a breakdown or accident.
3) Bottled water in case you are "snowed in" or stranded on the roadway or the side of the road.
4) A tire iron in case your car ends up submerged in water and you have to break the windows to get out of the car.
5) A flashlight with extra batteries.
6) A fully charged cell phone. Remember to set your "Location" to the "On" position in case you are lost so that the rangers and state troopers can find you!!!!
7) A fully packed First Aid kit in case of injury.
8) A working jack in the event of a flat tire. A universal jack is best in most cases.
9) A shovel in the event that you have to dig yourself and/or your car out of the snow.
10) Your common sense and good judgment. Don't ever leave those at home or you can have real problems!.
Remember that winter driving is very dangerous, even for the most experienced and professional drivers. Do not drive in black ice conditions or in bad snowstorms or rainstorms when you are in a hurry or under the influence of alcohol. It simply is not worth the risk.
You can pick up brochures on winter driving at most California Highway Patrol offices or at some State Park and National Park ranger stations. Drive safely, give yourself plenty of time, don't speed in black ice conditions, and remember this: Only you are responsible for your own driving!
