The danger of black ice

On Tuesday, January 7, 2014, around 7:24 am, a Maplewood woman driving on the Interstate 35E flyover ramp to westbound Interstate 694 in Little Canada went off the overpass and plunged in her Ford Ranger onto a frozen holding pond. It was probably a 75 to 100 foot drop. The truck rolled a couple of times and landed on the ice.

Fortunately, the driver was not hit by any vehicles. She was alive and in fair condition.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the crash was being blamed on black ice. 

To view the raw video of the crash recorded by the surveillance camera, go to KSTP news at http://tinyurl.com/l2u9yrq. 

In winter cold weather condition which we often experience in Minnesota, as it happened lately, black ice is a big factor and concern for roadway accidents. Since black ice is invisible, many people do not realize its existence and danger, and do not drive slowly and carefully until it’s too late. 

Black ice refers to a thin coating of glazed ice on a surface. In the United States, it is generally used to describe any type of ice that forms on roadways. Black ice is virtually transparent, allowing black asphalt roadways or the surface below to be seen through it, hence the term “black ice.” 

Black ice may form when light rain or drizzle falls on a road surface that is at a temperature below 0 °C. At low temperatures (below –18 °C), black ice can form on roadways when the moisture from automobile exhaust condenses on the road surface.

Because black ice represents only a thin accumulation, and is highly transparent and thus difficult to see as compared with snow, frozen slush, or thicker ice layers, it makes driving, cycling or walking on affected surfaces extremely dangerous.  

Bridges and overpasses can be especially dangerous. Black ice forms first on bridges and overpasses because air can circulate both above and below the surface of the elevated roadway, causing the bridge pavement temperature to drop more rapidly. 

Black ice has caused multiple accidents in Minnesota when the temperatures dipped below –18 °C for a prolonged period of time in mid-December 2008. We see it happen again this winter.

It’s important to understand how black ice forms, know when and where to expect black ice, and take preventive actions when such conditions happen. 

Drive slowly, especially when there are less people on the road, because that’s when you are able to go 60 miles per hour or higher. Then when you hit that patch of black ice, the result can be fatal. 

If possible, follow other vehicles, but keep distance and not tailgate. 

Keep your windshield clear of ice, snow, dirt, and anything else that can prevent you from seeing out of it properly.

Turn your headlights on early in the afternoon to help you see any possible sheen from black ice.

Check your tire tread. Worn tread causes accidents in any conditions, and will ensure you lack traction when needed on black ice. In addition, consider having snow tires fitted.

NEVER drive in potentially icy conditions with your cruise control active. 

For further information, check out the following websites: 

How to Drive on Black Ice: 14 Steps (with Pictures): http://tinyurl.com/6zk8ml

How Driving on Ice Works: http://tinyurl.com/lt69wlu 

Black ice = Danger: http://tinyurl.com/loohdkt

Black ice: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_ice

Keep warm and stay safe!