Black Ice Forms Overnight And Can Catch Drivers Off Guard

There's a term being used as a warning about the roads, its something that's really important, but something you might not actually know about. It's black ice.

Black ice is not actually black, but a thin layer of transparent glaze that allows the dark pavement to show through. This makes it nearly impossible to spot during early morning or late-night commutes when light is low...the danger is real for anyone behind the wheel.

It typically forms when snow or ice melts during the day and refreezes as soon as the sun goes down. Because it looks exactly like a wet spot or a dry patch of road, drivers often do not slow down until it is too late...refreeze can happen in the blink of an eye.

Why Louisiana is on High Alert

The recent winter storm has left plenty of moisture on the ground across the state from Shreveport to Lake Charles. After the temps warmed up, we saw a lot of melting. Then, with temperatures dipping back into the teens and twenties, officials are warning about a significant refreeze of standing water.

State agencies are specifically watching elevated surfaces, because they lose heat much faster than the ground. These bridges and overpasses become skating rinks while the rest of the road might still look perfectly safe.

Staying Safe During the Thaw

Hitting a patch of black ice can cause an immediate loss of traction, leading to dangerous fishtailing...which could lead to a disaster like a multi-car pileup. Drivers should avoid sudden movements like slamming on the brakes, or jerking the steering wheel, if the vehicle begins to slide...patience is the key to getting home safely.

The best defense is to simply SLOW DOWN, and increase the distance between you and the car ahead of you. If you do find yourself sliding, don't lock up the brakes, and don't try ot overcorrect with the steering wheel. Just keep a steady grip on the wheel, and feel for traction. Once you feel your tires grip again, steer accordingly and accelerate again.