Winter driving and black ice. We all too often see tractor trailers in the ditch or worse, involved in a collision. And sometimes a contributing factor is black ice. All too often the tractor trailer operator failed to recognize the conditions for black ice to form.
When does black ice form? First, the temperature is usually right around the freezing mark. That means that it can form from about 2 degrees to -2 degrees. It often forms first in low laying areas, under bridges and on the bridges. It frequently forms as the temperature is dropping.
So how do you protect yourself? You need to be aware of the temperature. I know many drivers that install a thermometer outside of the truck (needs to be placed as close to the road surface as possible and out of the wind). You can touch the outside of the mirror to feel if ice is forming. If the roads appear wet but there is no roads spray, the moisture is likely freezing.
Be aware of your surroundings and be safe.