MnDOT warns drivers of black ice this winter

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (1/7/22)

(Minnesota) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning motorists that the changing temperatures create conditions for black ice that can catch drivers off-guard and cause crashes.

Often appearing as a wet surface, black ice is actually a thin, transparent layer of ice on roads and bridges. Black ice forms when melting snow refreezes or when rain, drizzle, mist or fog freezes and is most common at night and early morning when it is dark and temperatures are lowest. The hazard can also form when snow temporarily melts from auto exhaust emissions or tire heat and from moisture vapors by industries located close to the highway.

Motorists should remember to slow down on bridges, overapsses and tunnels, avoid applying brakes on ice, do not use cruise control, use a safe speed for winter driving conditions, keep a safe stopping distance from the vehicle in from of you, and keep both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the roads and stay alert.