Prepare for winter driving

Black ice.  One of the dangers of winter.  Driving on ice is dangerous enough but when you can't see it...it becomes more dangerous.  






I know the thought of snow and ice is not what most of us want to think about but we need to start remembering what to do on the road when winter hits.  If you have new teenage drivers now is the time to talk to them about this.

Black ice is called black ice because it is transparent and you can see the asphalt through it...so it looks like the road.  The one difference is sometimes it is "shiny" compared to the rest of the road.

What to do when you hit black ice:

1. Remove your foot from the pedal immediately!  The last thing you want to do is give your car more acceleration while sliding.
2. Press on the brake.  This part is complicated because what you do will be determined by what your brake system is.  Most newer cars have anti-lock brake system so you would press down on the brake pedal and allow your Anti-lock brakes to do the "pumping" for you.  You will feel the pumping action.  If your car doesn't have Anti-lock brakes than you will have to manually pump your brakes in a smooth even fashion.  
3. Look ahead.  You want to do this so you can avoid any "trouble" spots ahead of; on-coming traffic, a light pole or tree, ditch, etc.  If you are driving and not sliding always be looking for black ice.  If you see it lift your foot off the brake and shift down.
4. Turn your steering wheel into the direction you are sliding.  So, foot off the gas, brake pedal (as your car requires) and steer into the direction of the slide.  This will give you better control.

Remember:  Four wheel drives are not any safer on ice.  Drive safe and be careful...winter is coming.

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