10/31/24
2 min
What To Do If You Hit Black Ice While Driving
If you hit a patch of black ice on the road, the last thing to do is panic. By keeping your wits about you, you can take several important steps to reduce the danger to yourself and others. Familiarize yourself with these best practices so you know what to do if you hit black ice while driving:
The first thing to do is take your foot off the accelerator completely and avoid braking. If possible, let the vehicle pass over the black ice on its own without interference.
Try to keep the steering wheel straight, but if the back of the car slides left or right, gently turn in the same direction. Though it may be tempting, trying to turn the other way is more likely to cause the vehicle to skid.
If you are unable to prevent from skidding, then you may need to brake, but be gentle. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, you can brake firmly. Otherwise, pump lightly on the brakes.
Gently steer in the direction you need to go. If the car is about to skid off the road, target a point of minimal impact. A snowy or grassy patch could reduce any potential damage to you and your vehicle and help you slow down.
Even for drivers who know exactly how to handle black ice, accidents still happen. If you have suffered a black ice accident, you may be curious about your legal options. Navigating liability for black ice accidents can be complicated, and it is easy to feel helpless in the hands of insurance companies. Fortunately, you can get expert assistance from a car accident lawyer to ease your worries and maximize your potential compensation. An attorney will help you through every step of the legal process, using their expertise to fight on your behalf. Senft Injury Advocates has been providing top-notch legal support to our clients for over thirty years. With a free case evaluation and around-the-clock availability, you will always have access to an expert with Senft Injury Advocates, from start to finish.