Avoid These Four Common Mistakes When Driving on Black Ice
Whether it’s your first winter in a cold place or you’ve been driving in the snow since you were a teenager, black ice can sneak up on you. Unlike snow and regular ice, which is visible when it covers the road, black ice is thin, transparent and usually difficult to see from any distance. In addition, it is particularly slippery and therefore dangerous.
For these reasons, a driver may only realize that he has entered a patch of black ice after he begins to lose control of his vehicle. But knowing what to do—or, in this case, what not to do—next can help you navigate the matter safely. To help us prepare for winter, Lifehacker spoke with Lucas Waldenback, driver training expert and co-founder of Zutobi , an online driver training platform. Below, he shares the three most common mistakes people make when driving on icy conditions, and what we should do instead.
Mistakes to avoid when driving on ice
Always take icy conditions—and weather forecasts predicting the possibility of it forming on roads—seriously, says Waldenbeck, who also advises “be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.” Unfortunately, this is not always possible. So, if you end up stumbling upon a patch of black ice, try not to make these mistakes:
1. Press on the brakes
When you realize you’ve hit a patch of black ice, your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes, but Waldenbeck says that’s a bad idea. “Your wheels may lock up,” he tells Lifehacker. “When the wheels lock up, your tires can’t grip the road and your car starts to slide on the ice.” Once you lose control of the vehicle, you will find it difficult to control the vehicle or get back on track. “Instead, take your foot off the gas and drive gently [in the direction] you want to go, without sudden movements,” he says. “Smooth, gradual actions are vital to regaining control.”
2. Acceleration
Accelerating on ice is dangerous because a lack of traction can cause your wheels to spin in place. “When your tires slip on ice, it worsens the situation and can lead to skidding or loss of control,” explains Waldenbeck. “So, let off the gas and let your car slow down until it regains traction. Brake very carefully if necessary, but be careful.”
3. Closing
This goes without saying because reversing is never safe, but don’t do it on black ice. “Keep a safe distance from the car in front of [you] to avoid being rear-ended if [the other car] loses control,” says Waldenbeck.
4. Panic
Losing control of the car is nerve-wracking, but Waldenbeck says panicking is a mistake because it can cause you to overreact in the moment. “Sudden jerking of the steering wheel can worsen a skid or cause an overcorrection that is difficult to recover from,” he notes. “Instead, remain calm, ease off the gas and steer carefully in the right direction. Keep your eyes on the desired path.”
Tips for driving on ice
In addition to avoiding the above mistakes, Waldenbeck recommends staying safe when driving on ice:
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Be prepared for winter weather : make sure you have the right tires, maintain your vehicle, and carry supplies in case you get stranded.
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Slow down and keep your distance . By leaving more space between vehicles, you will have more reaction time and can avoid accidents on icy roads.
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Give yourself extra time : During winter weather, your commute and other car trips will likely take longer than usual, so plan ahead. This will “reduce the desire to rush and make hasty decisions on the road,” he explains.
Bottom line: Use caution when driving in winter weather, even if you are an experienced winter driver. “Respect black ice,” Waldenbeck says. “Understand that this is a serious and hidden danger, so adjust your driving accordingly.”