Contacts
- John Bray
218-725-2708
Location
Minnesota Department of
Transportation
1123 Mesaba Ave.
Duluth, MN 55811
218-725-2800
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Mn/DOT warns northeastern Minnesota motorists to watch out for black ice
DULUTH, Minn. — With dropping temperatures, especially in the early morning, drivers in the Arrowhead Region are strongly urged to be alert for "black ice", which can rapidly develop during cold temperatures.
Black ice is almost totally transparent and can easily catch drivers off guard. It forms when the air temperature is slightly warmer than the pavement temperature, which causes moisture to rapidly freeze, creating a very thin and almost transparent, layer of ice on the roadway. Black ice can also form on heavily congested highways from auto exhaust, tire friction and moisture vapors given off by industries located adjacent to the highway. In addition, black ice often forms on roadways in shaded areas, near lakes and rivers, in tunnels and on overpasses. Although salt and sand can help minimize the effects of black ice, road salt loses its effectiveness at temperatures lower than 15 degrees.
According to Mn/DOT, motorists can increase their margin of safety by observing the following tips:
- Be aware that black ice is almost invisible and can form on asphalt or concrete pavements.
- Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and tunnels and in the early morning when the air temperature is rising faster than the pavement temperature.
- Use extreme care while driving on roadways prone to black ice and be aware that applying the brakes while driving on it can cause your vehicle to skid.
- Do not, under any circumstance, use cruise control during winter driving conditions.
- Drive at a safe speed for winter driving conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit — in other words, drive according to the conditions that currently exist.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Never use a cell phone or other electronic communication device while driving.
- Use common sense when driving during winter conditions and always remember to expect the unexpected.
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