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With the big dump, then the big melt, and temperatures hovering around freezing in the mornings, conditions are prime for black ice on Okanagan roads.
It’s a frosty morning and the road appears bare – but don’t be so sure.
"This is exactly when you should be on the lookout for black ice, so don’t let your winter driving guard down just yet ... slow down, drive to winter conditions and always expect the unexpected," says B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation.
They offer the following advice:
What exactly is black ice?
Black ice is a thin coat of glazed ice on the road. It’s actually clear, but it takes on a dark colouring from the pavement below. Because it is so thin, it is often invisible to the human eye.
Black ice can form in many ways but the most common way is from melting snow on or beside the road. After a winter storm, when temperatures climb above freezing during the day, snow will melt into water. Add a dip in temperatures overnight, and any standing water will freeze into black ice.
Where is it most likely to form?
Be extra vigilant while travelling on roads that don’t get much sunshine. Bridges and overpasses cool from above and below and freeze much faster than other parts of the road. Even water vapour from rivers and streams can, under the right conditions, freeze into black ice on the roadway.
What to do if you hit black ice
Stay calm. Keep the steering wheel straight and don't hit the brakes. Instead, ease off the gas and, if you can, shift into a lower gear to gain more control. Steer the car in the direction you want to go.
What to do if you lose control
If you have to brake, try to brake as little as possible. If your car has an anti-lock braking system, put your foot firmly down on the brake and the car will pump the brakes as you skid; if you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes lightly. Avoid cruise control.
How do maintenance contractors tackle black ice?
Maintenance contractors monitor road and weather conditions 24/7 and use a variety of anti-icing tools, including: salt, sand, even beet juice.
