Tucson drivers may not be as familiar with rough winter driving conditions as their Northern counterparts, but the area can still get patches of black ice which can create extremely dangerous driving conditions. This transparent glaze is difficult to spot and makes road surfaces extremely slippery. It’s most likely to form when temperatures suddenly drop, often in the early morning and evening hours.
Black ice is also more commonly found on bridges, overpasses, off ramps and shady spots in the road. If you’re injured because of a black ice accident, our Tucson car accident attorneys can offer advice. Our legal representation can help you recover money for your damages.
How to Stay Safe in Black Ice Conditions
Our car accident attorneys in Tucson have put together five safety precautions. These should help ensure that you stay safer on the roads during black ice conditions.
- Watch out for bridges, overpasses, off-ramps, and shady spots. These locations can be quicker to develop black ice. Even if you haven’t encountered it on regular, sunny roadways, black ice may be present in these areas, so be extra cautious.
- Look for warning signs. Although black ice looks like water on the road, you may be able to spot evidence of it if you look for the warning signs. If cars ahead of you are suddenly swerving, skidding or braking, they may have hit a patch of black ice. Also look for an absence of water spray as cars hit what looks like a wet spot, and watch out for a shiny surface on the road next to a dull black color.
- Don’t speed. Leave with plenty of time to reach your destination, and don’t speed. You should also turn and brake slowly, leaving plenty of room to stop between you and the car in front of you.
- Don’t change lanes unnecessarily. If you’re hopping from lane to lane, you increase your chances of hitting a patch of black ice between lanes. Don’t change lanes unless it’s necessary.
- Know how to react. If you do hit a spot of black ice, it’s important not to panic. Keep your steering wheel straight to help avoid sliding and losing control of your vehicle. Shift into a lower gear if you can, since this will give you added control. If you have anti-lock brakes, firmly press on your brake pedal if you begin to skid. If you have regular brakes, pump your brakes gently. Steer in the opposite direction of the skid if your front end is sliding, and steer in the same direction of the skid if your back end is sliding. Finally, make sure to look in the direction you want your car to go, since you tend to steer where you’re looking.
Get Help from Lerner and Rowe’s Tucson Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a black ice-related accident due to someone else’s negligent, careless, or reckless actions, Tucson car accident attorneys can advise you of your legal rights. You may be able to receive compensation to help reimburse you for medical bills, lost time at work and pain and suffering.
Call the Tucson car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today at 520-977-1900. Our dedicated and caring legal team are in the office to help during the week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 24/7 by phone or via our online LiveChat feature.