Here’s what you can do to stay safe when icy road conditions are at their worst.
If you live in a state where winter temperatures routinely drop below freezing, then you know how dangerous icy roadways can be. Perhaps the worst is when there are sneaky patches of black ice lurking on the streets. Black ice refers to thin, translucent sheets of ice that form on the roads. Because these patches of ice allow the color of the asphalt to show through, they are notoriously difficult for motorists to spot. While having the right auto insurance in Astoria, New York is one way to stay safe while driving this winter, there are other black ice precautions you can take as well. Here’s how you can stay safe behind the wheel when temperatures start to drop.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Black ice usually forms when temperatures drop below freezing after a precipitation event (like rain, snow, sleet, etc.). Make sure that you stay up-to-date on shifting weather patterns, so you know when you are likely to encounter icy driving conditions. Being aware will ensure that you are not caught off guard by icy roads.
Know Where Black Ice Forms
It’s also important to know where black ice is most likely to form. For instance, it’s far more likely to encounter black ice on bridges, beneath overpasses, and inside tunnels. This is because bridges tend to freeze faster than other sections of road. When it comes to the roadways beneath overpasses and through tunnels, they do not receive direct sunlight and therefore thaw more slowly than other portions of the road. Exercise extra caution while driving through these ideas so you are not surprised by icy conditions.
Reduce Your Speed
Hitting a patch of ice at high speeds or aggressively braking while driving over ice will both increase your chances of skidding and losing control of your vehicle. The easiest way to eliminate this risk is by reducing your speed and driving more cautiously this winter.
These are some of the steps that you can take to stay safe when sharing the road with black ice. Remember, having the right auto insurance in Astoria, New York is another great way to stay safe behind the wheel. For assistance with your car coverage needs, contact the experts at 01 Insurance today.