Island drivers are being asked to use caution on the province’s roads over the coming weeks after black ice formed at several locations over the past few days.
“This is the time of year where black ice can form unexpectedly on our roads and bridges,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “Drivers generally don’t expect winter conditions, like slippery roads, in the middle of October, but it has happened at several locations this past week, so drivers should use caution.”
Black ice can form on roads when temperatures drop below zero. No precipitation is needed to form black ice, just cold temperatures and moisture in the air. It is difficult to see black ice and it can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Drivers should slow down if they encounter black ice. It is important to avoid sudden breaking or turning, and avoid acceleration until the driver has the vehicle fully under control.
“While the employees of this Department are quite vigilant in patrolling the roadways to assess and address icy conditions, black ice can appear and disappear very quickly,” said Minister MacKinley. “So while we do what we can to monitor these situations, some may go unnoticed.”