Georgia Drivers: Beware of Black Ice
As temperatures drop across Georgia and much of the United States, ice has become a major concern for drivers. Black ice has recently caused problems across the Atlanta metro area, requiring treatment of roads and re-routing of traffic. The ice was even more problematic due to its sporadic nature; drivers did not know what to expect because ice was spread around and hard to spot.
Black ice is exceptionally dangerous because it is difficult to see. At Montlick and Associates, we know that as a driver in Georgia, you want to protect yourself and your family against black ice. We offer some tips below for detecting and navigating safely around black ice. Anyone injured in a car accident that may have been caused by negligence should contact our Atlanta car accident lawyers.
Staying Safe Around Black Ice
Black ice forms on roads, sidewalks, or driveways, often after a light freezing rain or due to the melting and re-freezing of water. It is called black ice because, unlike other ice, it is clear and therefore will look like the rest of the pavement on the road. To protect yourself against black ice, observe the following tips from the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
- Know where black ice could be found: Whenever temperatures drop below freezing, there is the possibility of black ice. Black ice most often forms at night or in the early mornings, when temperatures are at their lowest. The first areas to ice are usually tunnels, bridges, and overpasses. When you see cars ahead suddenly swerving, it can indicate a slippery road.
- Look at the road closely: Black ice is transparent, but if you look carefully at the road, you may be able to spot it. Black ice can have a smooth or glossy appearance. If you are driving and the road has a shiny spot, this could be black ice. Stay focused on the road so that you spot black ice, as well as any other dangerous conditions lurking ahead.
- Keep calm if you hit black ice: If you are driving and feel a sudden loss of traction due to black ice, it is imperative that you remain calm. Do not overreact. You should try your best to allow the car to pass over the ice safely, which means not failing to brake or jerking the wheel in either direction. Instead, lift your foot off of the accelerator so that you maintain control of your vehicle.
- Travel at safe speeds: When road conditions are bad, it is important that you slow down. Speeding over icy patches can lead to skids and other accidents. Slow down to give yourself time to stop in case of slowdowns ahead and to avoid icy conditions.
Also be sure to review Georgia Gov's infographic "Don't Let Black Ice Leave You Stranded This Winter" to know where black ice is most likely to form and how to recover your vehicle if you do begin to lose control.
Winter can be a dangerous season for drivers. If you are injured in a car accident this winter that may have been due to negligence, contact the Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates. Our attorney team offers caring and skilled representation to injured accident victims and their families. We strive to see that our injured clients obtain the maximum compensation to which they may be entitled under the law.
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Sources:
https://www.in.gov/bmv/files/Drivers_Manual_Chapter_5.pdf
http://www.ajc.com/weather/black-ice-what-georgia-drivers-need-know-stay-safe/vKUM9Y49KHJEfIteYQt3FI/
https://georgia.gov/blog/2016-01-21/dont-let-black-ice-leave-you-stranded-winter-infographic
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
Toll Free: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
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