Older drivers' method: Still effective in frosty conditions

The aspect that makes black ice deceptive is that while the road appears black from a driver's perspective, it's actually covered with a thin layer of frozen water, thus the term "black ice". It's a blend of the worst elements, specifically a slick, icy surface. This phenomenon must not be confused with an 'ice sheet', which is generally visible as a dense layer of ice, often reflecting light from a distance.

Black ice can be incredibly deceptive as it's difficult to spot, and it appears only in patches. Therefore, if we don't encounter it during the initial braking, we may be misled into thinking the road grip is normal.

Thus, it's worth knowing where black ice most commonly occurs. As it is actually a phenomenon on the very brink of water freezing, happening at temperatures around or slightly above freezing, the most dangerous spots are cool and shaded areas.

Be on the lookout for black ice in these areas:

• Cities, particularly on compact streets with numerous buildings providing significant shade
• Roads within forests (due to noticeable shade)
• Open areas with a high concentration of trees along the road on the sunny side (causing local shading)
• Overpasses (where the roadway is significantly cooler)

One of the most fundamental precautions is to lower your speed. We should decelerate far more than usual, especially before making turns. The same approach applies when approaching intersections, when braking might not be possible, hence it's important to start slowing down earlier than usual.

The next tip is the guideline used by skilled drivers, trained on vehicles without ABS and other traction control systems. Occasionally, it might be beneficial to brake harshly on the road, possibly causing the wheels to skid.

With the ABS system engaged, the wheels won't lock, but you'll likely feel a distinct pulsation of the brake pedal along with the clattering noise of the pump (indicating temporary brake locking and release). Depending on whether the surface is wet, or covered with so-called black ice, the ABS response may vary. It may activate sooner or later, or may not even engage at all. Using this method, you can estimate whether the road surface is genuinely treacherous, or if it's grip is as it seems.

Here's a key point - before you perform such a test, always check your rear-view mirror. If another vehicle is closely following you, it's safer to forgo the test. The trailing car might run into you, and an unjustified braking attempt could lead to a fine for causing a collision.