What should you do if you encounter black ice while driving?

Encountering black ice while driving requires a calm and controlled response to ensure safety. The correct approach is to slow down and maintain a steady course because this minimizes the risk of losing traction. When driving on black ice, sudden movements such as accelerating or braking can cause the vehicle to skid, as the tires lose grip on the slick surface.

By reducing speed and keeping the vehicle on a steady path, the driver enhances their ability to maintain control, allowing them to navigate through the hazardous area safely. Steering away from black ice may seem sensible, but often it can lead to overcorrection or a loss of control, especially in icy conditions. Similarly, accelerating to get through quickly may result in sliding or spinning out of control. Hard braking is also ineffective and could lead to a complete loss of traction. Therefore, the focus should be on safely managing speed and maintaining a smooth trajectory when faced with black ice.