Chicago Premises Liability Lawyers - Article

Black Ice

Black ice is a type of ice that has frozen with very few air bubbles trapped inside, making it transparent. Black ice takes the color of the material on which it lays. It is called black ice because of its common presence on a darkened pond or asphalt. Because it is hard to see or detect, it is a significant hazard to drivers, pedestrians, and sailors.

When it is on roads, black ice is also known as “glare ice” or “clear ice.” It is a thin coating of glazed ice on a surface, frequently a road. While the ice isn’t really black, it is transparent. This allows the usually black asphalt to be seen through the ice giving it the appearance of being black. Black ice is exceptionally slick when compared to other forms of ice that frequently cover the road.

Because very little air is trapped in the ice in the form of air bubbles, black ice is transparent and is very difficult to see, especially when compare to the visibility of snow or frozen slush. In addition, it is on a road which is identical in appearance. Black ice is therefore very hazardous for drivers and pedestrians.

Bridges and overpasses are the most dangerous places. Ice forms first on a bridge or overpass because air and wind are able to circulate above and below the surface of the elevated roadway. This allows the pavement temperature to drop more rapidly. This means that will the roadway might not have frozen, a bridge may. As a result, we have “Bridge Ices Before Road” or “Bridge May be Icy” warning signs.

Black ice is capable of forming even when the ambient temperature is several degrees above the freezing point of water, particularly if the air warms suddenly after a prolonged cold spell that leaves the surface of the roadway well below the freezing point.

Contact a Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer

If you have been injured due to the present of black ice on the sidewalks of a shopping center or other private property, contact the Chicago premises liability lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.