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Question

Difficulty: EasyWinter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

While driving in below-freezing temperatures, a driver notices that the asphalt ahead appears dark and wet, but nearby vehicles are not creating any water spray behind their tires. Which of the following road conditions does this situation most likely indicate?

  1. A
    Standing water causing a high risk of hydroplaning
  2. A layer of transparent ice commonly known as black iceAnswer
  3. C
    Fresh asphalt oil rising to the road surface
  4. D
    A standard dry pavement condition with normal tire traction

Answer

A layer of transparent ice commonly known as black ice.
In freezing temperatures, a dark and glossy road surface that produces no tire spray from traffic indicates black ice. Black ice is thin, transparent ice that takes on the dark color of the underlying asphalt, making it extremely hazardous because drivers often mistake it for a harmless wet road.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze ambient road conditions
Temperatures are below freezing, so liquid water on the roadway will freeze.
Water solidifies into ice at 32°F (0°C).
2
Evaluate visual cues and tire spray evidence
The road looks glossy/wet, but no tire spray is generated by passing vehicles.
If liquid water were present, tires would throw up water spray. Absence of spray means the liquid surface is frozen smooth.
3
Identify the hazard
The dark, clear frozen surface is black ice.
Black ice forms thin, invisible sheets over dark pavement, making the road look wet while providing almost no traction.

Key Concept

Recognizing Black Ice Hazards
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Topics

Winter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

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