Whether this will be your first winter living somewhere cold 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’s covering the road—black ice is thin, transparent, and typically hard to see from any kind of distance. It’s also especially slippery, and therefore dangerous.
For these reasons, a driver might only realize that they’ve hit a patch of black ice after they start losing control of their vehicle. But, knowing what to do—or in this case, what not to do—next can help you navigate it safely. To help us get ready for winter, Lifehacker spoke with Lucas Waldenback, a driver education expert and the co-founder of Zutobi, an online driver’s ed platform. Below, he breaks down three of the most common mistakes people make while driving on black ice, and what we should do instead.
Mistakes to avoid when driving on black ice
Always take black ice—and weather reports that predict the possibility of it forming on roads—seriously, says Waldenback, who also advises “be[ing] ready to adjust your plans if necessary.” Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. So, if you end up coming across a patch of black ice, do your best to avoid making these mistakes:
1. Hitting the brakes
When you realize that you’ve come across a patch of black ice, your first instinct may be to hit the brakes, but according to Waldenback, that’s a bad idea. “It can make your wheels lock up,” he tells Lifehacker. “When the wheels lock, your tires can’t grip the road, and your vehicle starts sliding on the ice.” Once you lose control of your car, it’s tough to steer or get back on track. “Instead, take your foot off the gas and gently steer [in the direction] you want to go, without sudden moves,” he says. “Smooth, gradual actions are vital to regaining control.”
2. Accelerating
Accelerating on black ice is dangerous because the lack of traction can cause your wheels to spin in place. “When your tires spin on ice, it worsens things and can lead to a skid or loss of control,” Waldenback explains. “So, let off the gas to let your vehicle slow down until you regain traction. If needed, use the brakes very gently, but be cautious.”
3. Tailgating
This should really go without saying—because tailgating is never safe—but don’t do it on black ice. “Stay [a] safe [distance] from the vehicle ahead [of you] to avoid rear-end collisions if the [other car] lose[s] control,” Waldenback says.
4. Panicking
Losing control of your car is unnerving, but Waldenback says that panicking is a mistake , as it might cause you to overreact in the moment. “Jerking the steering wheel suddenly can worsen the skid, or make you overcorrect—which is hard to recover from” he notes. “Instead, stay calm, lift off the gas, and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Keep your eyes on your desired path.”
Tips for driving on black ice
Along with avoiding the mistakes above, here’s how Waldenback recommends staying safe when driving on black ice:
Be prepared for winter weather: Be sure to have the right tires, maintain your vehicle, and carry emergency supplies in case you get stuck.
Slow down and keep your distance: Leaving more space between cars gives you more time to react, and avoid accidents on icy roads.
Give yourself extra time: Your commute and other car journeys will likely take longer than usual in winter weather, so plan ahead. This will “reduce the urge to rush and make snap decisions on the road,” he explains.
The bottom line: Exercise caution on car trips in winter weather, even if you’re a seasoned winter driver. “Respect black ice,” Waldenback says. “Understand it’s a severe and hidden danger, so adjust your driving accordingly.”
