WINTER DRIVING
First and Foremost, Freezing Rain Is a Game Changer: Cold and moisture are not a good combination. Therefore, drivers must be especially cautious. Watch, Stay Alert and Stay Alive. No driver wants to injure himself or herself, the passengers in the vehicle or anyone else on the highway. In freezing rain conditions, the magic number is 32°F. When it is misting or raining and the air temperature is 32°F, or lower, the rain begins to freeze on bridges and overpasses. When the surface temperature of the ground reaches 32°F, or lower, the moisture begins to freeze on the pavement. Freezing precipitation quickly becomes a very slick sheet of ice.
Be Wary of “Black Ice” ~ Freezing Rain: Automobiles can be driven in wet conditions, rainy conditions and even snow. Without chains on a vehicle’s tires, motor vehicles do not have the friction necessary to drive on ICE. Freezing rain creates a smooth layer of ice on the roadway which, may appear only as wet pavement to the driver’s eye. The key is the temperature. When the air and surface temperatures are below 32°F, smoothly frozen rain forms a thin, transparent layer of precipitation on the roadway that is known as “BLACK ICE”.
BLACK ICE appears to be the same color as the pavement. On the roadway BLACK ICE appears only as damp or wet road conditions. Visually, a driver only realizes it is BLACK ICE when it is “too” late. BLACK ICE driving conditions often materialize very quickly when precipitation or moisture accumulates on a street or highway. Again, no one needs to advise any driver. Nevertheless, here is a friendly reminder: As weather and road conditions deteriorate, SLOW DOWN! When a driver find realizes the untreated road is covered with BLACK ICE, pull off, stop and wait for better driving conditions. It is better far, far better to arrive late then not arrive at all.
Bad weather conditions are not needed for Black Ice. Even in dry weather conditions, Black Ice can occur. During daytime heating or when the sun is out, snow and ice along the side of the road may melt causing the water to flow onto the pavement. As evening approaches and the temperature drops, the melting moisture that floated onto the roadway will refreeze creating Black Ice which, again, may appear to the driver as merely damp, wet pavement.
Black Ice is probably the most dangerous road condition a driver will encounter during his or her driving lifetime. Black Ice tends to form first on bridges. Black Ice also forms in shady spots and near sewer drains at intersections. It is exceptionally difficult to notice the crystal clear glaze known as Black Ice. Drivers may occasionally be able to spot Black Ice if their headlights reflect off the pavement.
Even though the road just looks like it is merely “wet”, a seasoned driver anticipates ice is forming when he or she notices little or no spray coming from the tires of the vehicles in the area. Also, drivers can check for icy conditions by opening the driver’s window and using a finger to slide along the front of the driver’s side view mirror. If the pavement has not been treated for winter ice driving conditions and there is ice on driver’s side mirror, if the temperature of the pavement is below 32°, there may also be ice on the roadway. Checking your vehicle’s outside thermostat will provide you with important information regarding the current “air temperature”. The outside temperature will give you an indication of possible road conditions. When the outside temperature is 32° or lower bridges and overpasses may begin to freeze. However, the outside air temperature and the ground temperature may not be the same because the earth gives off heat.
Head Out on the Highway: You Cruise ~ You Lose: When a driver becomes aware that Black Ice conditions exist, immediately disengage your cruise control. Some drivers believe that using cruise control during these driving conditions is helpful because the vehicle’s computer maintains a steady speed. Unfortunately, using the vehicle’s cruise control is an Absolute NO-NO in Black Ice conditions. A driver has a better “feel” for the road and can promptly reduce speed if he or she begins to notice that the vehicle is losing contact with the pavement. If the cruise control is on and a vehicle begins to slide, the cruise control system will actually increase the speed of the “driving wheels” because the vehicle computer will detect that the car is actually losing speed.
The attorneys at The Danda Law Firm have the experience, auto claims knowledge and litigation resources to represent you for the compensation you deserve for your injuries from your car accident during settlement negotiations as well as in court.
Plus, we are aware that you were injured and that your car has been damaged and may not be drivable. Thus, we will meet with you at home, in the hospital or the place of your choice. The Danda Law Firm is located in Metro Atlanta which allows us to conveniently serve you in Metro Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia.
The lawyers at The Danda Law Firm have been helping injured people in Atlanta and throughout Georgia recover their just financial compensation since 1979. If you, or a loved one, have been seriously injured, call our office at 770.938.0977 or 800.983.8720.
David Danda © 2017
David Danda*
David E. Danda, PC
3579A Chamblee Tucker Road
#941334
Atlanta GA 31141-0334
770.938.0977
770.939.6538 (fax)
www.daviddanda.com web site
Licensed in Georgia and Louisiana
*Accredited, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs