What is black ice?

What is black ice?

• A. A thin sheet of invisible ice
• B. A visible patch of ice
• C. A patch of snow
• D. A type of wet pavement

Answer: (A)

Black ice is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on road surfaces that can dramatically reduce traction. It forms when moisture on the pavement freezes, often when temperatures are near freezing or just after rain or dew. Because it’s transparent, it blends with the dark asphalt, making it very hard to spot. That’s why the description you’re looking for is a thin sheet of invisible ice. The other ideas describe things that aren’t ice at all or aren’t ice that you can’t see: a visible patch of ice would be obvious, a patch of snow is snow, and wet pavement refers to moisture rather than a slick ice layer. If you ever suspect black ice, slow down, avoid sudden steering or braking, and increase your following distance to stay in control.

Black ice is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on road surfaces that can dramatically reduce traction. It forms when moisture on the pavement freezes, often when temperatures are near freezing or just after rain or dew. Because it’s transparent, it blends with the dark asphalt, making it very hard to spot. That’s why the description you’re looking for is a thin sheet of invisible ice. The other ideas describe things that aren’t ice at all or aren’t ice that you can’t see: a visible patch of ice would be obvious, a patch of snow is snow, and wet pavement refers to moisture rather than a slick ice layer. If you ever suspect black ice, slow down, avoid sudden steering or braking, and increase your following distance to stay in control.