Despite the N.C. Department of Transportation’s best efforts to anticipate travel dangers associated with winter weather, there is always potential for safety hazards.
Driving in icy or snowy weather can be stressful and dangerous, and NCDOT urges motorists to stay off roads as much as possible during winter storms. If travel is necessary, motorists are urged to follow
safety guidelines related to driving in snowy and icy conditions.
Black Ice
Appearing as wet spots on a road, black ice is often the result of melting ice and snow that refreezes into thin layers. While NCDOT does its best to treat areas that are prone to black ice, it is unpredictable. Most of the time drivers aren't aware of it until it's too late.
NCDOT does its best to treat areas it knows are prone to black ice, but often learns about it from law enforcement agencies and the public.
To treat black ice, NCDOT applies salt, which lowers the freezing temperature of water and makes it easier for ice to melt. Crews might also apply sand to help increase traction and break down the ice.
The safest way to avoid black ice is to stay off roads unless travel is necessary. NCDOT advises driving slowly and leaving plenty of space between vehicles.