Chicago Area Toyota Cautions Drivers About Black Ice

Feb 17, 2015

Black ice can be unpredictable and Chicago Area Toyota is reminding drivers that it is hard to spot and very dangerous. Here is some helpful advice to keep you and your family safe.

What is black ice exactly? Black ice is an extremely thin layer of frozen water on the surface of the road. Often times when the temperature outside drops quickly it can cause moisture in the air to freeze on the road. It can also appear on bridges or overpasses, since the temperature of the black top is lower there.

Be Proactive

There are several ways to stay safe if there is black ice on the roadway. First, lower you speed. This allows you to maintain better control of your vehicle. Keep a safe distance between you and other drivers so that you will have extra time to react. If another car on the road loses control you will be able to stop easily and avoid a collision.

Slow Down Safely

If you find yourself sliding on black ice, the number one rule is to avoid slamming on your breaks. Your tires may stop spinning, but the momentum of your car on the ice will keep your car in motion. This could cause your vehicle to spin. The best way to slow down is to take your foot off of the gas petal. This will slowly and safely decrease the speed of your vehicle, keeping you and your passengers safe.