Many of us love to dream of a white Christmas. And for those living in the Northwest, we often live this dream. The snow covered greenery and buildings can be like a winter wonderland. But as the sun makes its way across the sky, the snow begins to melt and run off in all directions. As the day turns to night, the temperature quickly begins to drop and many hazards develop in the form of black ice. Black ice can become an unavoidable issue that persists through the cold winter months, and adds to the unpredictability of the road. Even with all of the preparation and skill in the world, you can still be a victim of an auto accident caused by another driver due to black ice. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a winter auto accident due to black ice, don’t hesitate to call Church and Page and get a free consultation with one of our legal professionals. We will answer any questions you might have and assist you in getting the care and compensation you need to get back behind the wheel safely.

How Does Black Ice Form?

How does black ice form? Black ice, sometimes referred to as “glare ice,” forms when the outside temperature of the air is warmer than the temperature of the roadway surface. Any kind of running water such as rain or melting run off can immediately freeze when it comes in contact with the freezing cold pavement. Even a mild fog could leave a thin enough film of moisture to create a slick and clear icy surface. This risk is especially high when the roadways have not been properly treated with a chemical de-icer or melting salts.

Because of how quickly these invisible ice patches can form due to the drastic dropping in temperature, it can quickly put an unsuspecting driver, experienced or not, in mortal danger. You might find yourself driving on a rainy night and in a matter of moments, the road can go from rain puddles to ice patches. Suddenly you’re sliding across patches of invisible black ice and the danger only increases in the case that there are other drivers on the road.

How Can I Stay Safe Driving On Black Ice?

The day after the first snow is usually the most opportune time for these perilous ice patches to form. As the snow and ice melts during the day, the running water begins to collect into standing pools in the road. And when the temperature drops in the evening, the pools can quickly become icy patches of uncertainty. If the following day brings more snow, the patches would now be covered and even more of a risk. A good driver is aware of his or her environment, and prepares when it is known that the conditions will not be favorable. It’s important to minimize your risk when planning on driving in conditions where the temperatures are below freezing. It is important to carry a temperature gauge in your car with you so you can be aware of the presence of freezing conditions. Most modern vehicles have a sensing gauge built into the driver’s HUD, and if the car does not come with one installed, they are relatively inexpensive. It’s also crucial to remember that water freezes at and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius. Another trick used to determine the surface temperature of the road is to watch for water spitting up from your tires and the cars around you. If no visible water is seen spraying, chances are, the air is freezing and the moisture is beginning to condense, and then freezes, which changes the condition of the road.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Church And Page If You’ve Been Involved In A Car Accident Due To Black Ice

If you or someone you know have been the victim of an auto accident that was caused by black ice, you can still get compensation and care for your physical and emotional plight. Call Church and Page today, and get a free consultation with one of our esteemed law professionals in Kennewick. We will answer any questions you have about your rights and opportunities to find care and support for you and your loved ones after getting into a serious accident.

Not all Yakima personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation for car accident victims, but the team at Church and Page do. Schedule your free, no obligation black ice car accident consultation today.