How to Drive on Ice and Black Ice — What Every UK Driver Must Know

Black ice claims lives every winter in the UK. It's nearly invisible, forms quickly, and behaves completely differently from other road surfaces. Here's how to handle it.

Ice — particularly black ice — is one of the most dangerous conditions UK drivers face. Unlike snow, it's nearly invisible and gives no warning.

What Is Black Ice?

Black ice is a thin, transparent coating of ice on the road surface that takes on the colour of the tarmac beneath, making it almost impossible to see. It forms most commonly:

On bridges and elevated roads (cold air above and below)

In shaded areas where sunlight can't melt the surface

In the early morning, between midnight and 9am

At temperatures between -4°C and +2°C

How to Tell If You're On Black Ice

The road surface appears unusually shiny or reflective

Your car suddenly feels lighter or more responsive to steering inputs

Frost visible on the verges or pedestrian areas but the road looks clear

Your tyre noise changes — icy roads are almost completely silent

If You Hit Black Ice

Do not brake sharply and do not steer aggressively. Both will cause you to skid.

The correct response:

1. Ease off the accelerator — gently

2. Keep the steering wheel straight and firm

3. Do not touch the brake until you feel grip return

4. If you begin to skid, steer very gently into the direction of the skid

Driving in Icy Conditions

Double or triple your following distance

Accelerate and decelerate very slowly — avoid any sudden inputs

Use the highest gear your speed allows — this reduces wheel spin

Drive in tyre tracks where possible — compacted snow or others' tyre marks offer more grip than untouched ice

Preparation

Clear all windows completely before driving — not just a porthole

Check your tyres — minimum 3mm tread in winter, consider winter tyres if your area has frequent ice

Carry a blanket, torch, warm clothing and a shovel in the boot

Skidded off the road or stuck on ice near Newport, Cardiff, Bristol or Bath? Fred's Towing Services provides 24/7 ice and winter recovery. Call 01633 982028.