ERIE, Pa., Nov. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the
most dangerous aspects of black ice is that it's nearly invisible.
It's created by a small coating of frozen moisture on top of the
pavement, making it more slippery than regular ice because it lacks
air bubbles or slope variations that could provide traction.
Erie Insurance provides helpful information on what to do if you
have a run in with black ice.
Where is it?
- Areas of roads that receive little or no sunlight. These
stretches of road are slower to warm and are more likely to create
black ice.
- Seldom-used back roads. That's because increased road traffic
creates friction, warming busier roads and preventing ice
formation.
- Tunnels and underpasses. They provide plenty of shade for
black ice to develop.
- Bridges. They are susceptible because their height gives
them greater exposure to cold winds.
How should you drive on it?
- The slower you travel, the lower your chances of skidding—and
the less severe any skid will be.
- Don't use cruise control. Your vehicle will try to
maintain speed with no regard for the dangerous conditions beneath
it.
- Steer with clean movements. Avoid the urge to make jerky,
reactive movements that could cause your vehicle to skid.
How can you recover from a black ice skid?
- Front-wheel drive: Turn the steering wheel into the
skid. If the skid reverses, change the direction of your steering
wheel to follow the skid. Allow the wheels to maintain their
speed—don't apply the brakes or the accelerator. If your vehicle
has a manual transmission, push the clutch. Your car will begin to
gain traction as the wheels' speed catches up to the car. Remember,
you may need to make several wheel corrections before the car gains
traction.
- Rear-wheel drive: Steer in the direction you want to go.
This may mean a counter-steer if the back of your vehicle swerves
away from this direction. Be gentle with the wheel as an
overcorrection could send your vehicle's back end in the opposite
direction. Once you straighten out, apply gentle pressure to the
accelerator until your speed matches the road speed.
- All-wheel drive without antilock brakes: Resist slamming
the brakes when you start to skid. This is especially important
with all-wheel drive vehicles because you are cutting power to all
four wheels, making the vehicle operate like a front or rear-wheel
drive vehicle. Instead, give the brakes a repeated light tap (known
as pumping the brakes) while steering the wheel with simple,
precise movements until you navigate yourself out of the skid.(It's
important to brake normally if your car has anti-lock brakes. Don't
pump your brakes; the car automatically does that for
you.)
Even careful drivers can have accidents and car damage. That's
why it's important to have car insurance you can count
on. A local ERIE agent in your community can help you
find affordable car insurance that will help you weather every
season.
About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in
Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 10th
largest homeowners insurer and 12th largest automobile insurer in
the United States based on direct
premiums written and the 15th largest property/casualty insurer in
the United States based on total
lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M.
Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and
operates in 12 states and the District of
Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group
are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance