With Virginia auto insurance, experiencing an automobile collision is less likely to lead you to financial ruin than if you are uninsured. However, it is still vital you do everything you can to steer clear of a wreck to keep your insurance premiums low and avoid injuries. One important factor of this is learning about the potential dangers on the road. With Virginia winters capable of causing a blizzard or two during the average year, an important facet of driving in the state is understanding black ice.

What is black ice? It is a super thin layer of ice on a surface. It is called “black ice” because it often occurs on roadways and its translucence makes it appear as dark as the asphalt.

Black ice is more common on bridges and overpasses than it is on typical streets. Since they are hit on all sides by cold air, moisture is more likely to freeze on their surfaces. This is the reason warning signs that read “Bridge ices before road” are posted.

Why is black ice so dangerous? Since the layer of ice blends in with the road, drivers are unaware of it and often do not slow down. Hitting the slippery surface at a high speed can cause an accident.

Because it is hard to detect black ice from behind the wheel, it is vital drivers slow down during the winter months. Failing to do so could have you filing a claim with your Virginia auto insurance agency before you know it.

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