The "Invisible Killer" on South Island Roads: Black Ice
The roads of New Zealand's South Island are winding, steep, and narrow. To witness the unparalleled natural beauty, many tourists opt for self-driving tours.
Despite New Zealand's comprehensive traffic laws, well-marked roads, reasonable planning, and the high driving standards of its citizens, there exists an "invisible killer" that can make even the most experienced drivers tremble during winter on the South Island – black ice.
What is Black Ice?
Black ice refers to a thin layer of ice that covers the road and is difficult to detect. Because it is so thin, the asphalt color of the road can show through, making the ice almost invisible and blending seamlessly with the road surface.
This thin layer of black ice, due to its relatively higher temperature, often has a thin layer of melted water on top, making it much slipperier than thicker, colder ice. Black ice can cause vehicles to lose control, skid, spin, and significantly increase braking distances, making it one of the most dangerous road hazards.
Black ice most commonly appears near bodies of water or in very damp areas, such as roads near lakes, rivers, waterways, and low-lying areas in humid valleys.
How to Drive on Roads with Black Ice
To prevent accidents caused by losing control on black ice, if you are driving in the South Island during winter, you should:
- Avoid sudden braking
- Reduce your driving speed
- Avoid sudden steering
- Maintain a greater following distance from the car ahead
- Be mindful of reflective and wet spots on the road
- Use snow chains on your tires if necessary
Most importantly, be extra cautious when driving on roads near water, especially on cold winter mornings when the sun is just rising, as this is when black ice is most prevalent. Once the temperature rises, black ice will quickly melt due to its relatively higher temperature, and you can safely increase your driving speed then.
