What Is Black Ice?

Black ice isn’t actually black — it’s a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots when moisture freezes without trapping air bubbles. Because it blends right into the pavement, it’s nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye. That “wet” looking road might actually be extremely slick ice.

Black ice is especially common:

• Early morning or evening when temperatures drop below freezing
• On bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas

Where snow melts during the day and refreezes at night

Black Ice & Vehicle Accidents

Because black ice is so hard to see, it can take even experienced drivers by surprise. When your tires suddenly lose traction, your vehicle can skid or spin — even at low speeds. In fact, ice and snow contribute to a sizable number of winter crashes. Nearly 17% of crashes occur in snowy conditions, and thousands of drivers are injured each winter on icy roads.

At Jim Yarger’s Body Shop, we fix the winter damage ice and snow cause — from fender benders to more serious collision repairs. But we’d rather you never need us after a preventable accident.

Ice Isn’t Just Dangerous for Cars — It’s Dangerous for People Too

While drivers are at risk, pedestrians face significant injury hazards on icy sidewalks, parking lots, and walkways — especially when getting in or out of vehicles or walking to and from them.

Consider these sobering facts:

• About 1 million Americans are injured every year from slips, trips, and falls on snow and ice — with many of these caused by icy surfaces in parking lots or sidewalks.
• 80% of weather-related slip and fall injuries occur in parking lots and on sidewalks where ice or snow accumulate.
• These kinds of falls often result in serious injuries like fractures, sprains, and head or back trauma — especially tricky for older adults.

A simple slip while stepping out of your vehicle or walking across a parking lot can take you out of commission for weeks — or worse.

How to Prevent Ice-Related Accidents & Injuries

For Drivers

• • Slow down early and leave extra following distance on cold mornings
  • Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering on slick roads
  • Anticipate shaded patches and bridges, where black ice is most likely
  • If you hit ice, keep steering smooth and gentle — abrupt moves make skids worse

For Pedestrians

• • Wear shoes with good traction — soft rubber soles grip better on ice
  • Take short, deliberate steps and keep hands free for balance
  • Salt or sand driveways and walkways to improve traction
  • Be especially cautious around cars, curbs, and parking lot entrances where ice often forms

We’re Here When You Need Us

Winter weather can catch you off guard — whether it’s an unseen patch of black ice on the road or a slippery sidewalk that leads to a fender dent. At Jim Yarger’s Body Shop, we’ve seen it all after winter accidents, and we’re here to help you get back on the road safely and quickly.

Stay safe, stay aware, and take those extra winter precautions. A little care can keep you both injury-free and accident-free this season!