As a freelance photojournalist and storm chaser covering extreme weather around the United States, I have seen my fair share of all types of dangerous weather. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and lightning seem to get all of the attention as nature's biggest threats to people - but it is actually icy roads during winter precipitation that pose the biggest weather-related risk of injury, property damage and death for the average person. Few people in this country will find themselves face-to-face with a hurricane, tornado or flash flood in their lifetime. But each and every one of us will likely encounter icy roads while driving, many times each a year. Most of us have never seen a tornado or been in a hurricane, but nearly all of us have experienced first-hand what it is like to lose control of a car on a slick road. An indeed, of all of the types of severe weather I have personally experienced, it is by far icy roads that invoke the most apprehension from me. It is a threat from nature that is perilously underrated.
The most insidious type of winter weather threat comes from icy roads, and in particular, icy bridges. Those signs you always see ARE true. A bridge is exposed to air on all of its surfaces - on top, underneath and on its sides. By contrast, a normal road surface is only exposed to air on one side, its top surface. When temperatures drop, this means bridges will cool and accumulate snow and ice faster than roadways on solid ground (watch the animation above).
An icy bridge's most dangerous threat is their element of suprise - they catch drivers off guard, who are traveling at full speed because the rest of the roads are either clear or just a little wet. The consequences of driving onto ice at highway speeds can be catastrophic, as the loss of control and impacts happen much faster than in most other conditions. Slides are often unrecoverable and chain-reaction type accidents are common, as additional vehicles will often lose control in the exact same location.
Notice the bridges in the photos on this page - completely covered with a layer of very slick snow and ice, even though the roads before the bridges are totally clear. The transition from clear road to icy takes place in mere inches! (more photos). The photo below is a classic illustration of 'black ice' on a bridge formed from freezing rain. Unlike ice associated with snowfall, ice from freezing rain looks exactly like the wet roads adjacent to it. (Watch a video clip showing the slickness of the invisible 'black ice' this bridge.)
Icy bridges are arguably the most dangerous type of weather-related hazard, surpassing tornadoes, hurricanes and floods in their threat to the average person. Following these tips will keep you from being the next accident on an iced-over bridge.
Falling snow = icy bridge potential: If there is ANY frozen precipitation falling or has recently fallen (snow, sleet, freezing rain), watch out! Remember that bridges will likely be icy even if all other roads are clear.
It doesn't take much snow: Bridges can get icy with even a light dusting of snow.
SUVs, 4WD, AWD and ABS-equipped vehicles are not immune!: Four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, traction control, anti-lock brakes and winter tires will do nothing to help you at all on an icy bridge. Watch our Video Clips and Photo Gallery below and notice how many sport-utility vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles are involved in icy bridge accidents!
Your accident won't be the only one: If you are involved in an accident, do not get out of your vehicle. A large percentage of injuries and deaths on icy roads are due to secondary accidents between cars and people standing outside of their vehicles! Other vehicles will likely lose control at the same location, making you a sitting duck for further collisions. You will be much safer inside the protective frame of your vehicle than standing outside. If you are able, drive your car away from the danger zone as quickly as possible to avoid collisons with other out-of-control vehicles. If you must exit your vehicle and are certain no other vehicles are immediately approaching, get as far away from the road as possible, and get behind guardrails or barriers if they are present. Staying in your vehicle on a bridge is almost always the safer option, as there is usually nowhere to run to safety other than to jump off of the side of the bridge!
"Black ice" looks just like wet pavement: Freezing rain is especially dangerous because the ice on the bridge may have the same appearace as a wet road surface (a phenomenon often referred to as "black ice"). Being aware of the weather conditions and temperatures will keep you from being surprised.
Look for warning signs: Watch for these danger signs:
Ice/snow on small bridges and culverts: All bridges and overpasses often become icy at the same time. Smaller bridges can be warning signs that the larger, more dangerous bridges will be icy.
Ice/snow on signs, guardrails and parked cars: If snow or ice is visible on anything, particularly metal objects such as signs and guardrails, it could also be present on bridges and overpasses.
Slow down and pay attention to bridges: During frozen precipitation, reduce speed and exercise caution when approaching and crossing bridges.
No sudden braking or turns: If you happen to drive onto an icy bridge too fast, do not apply your brakes. Brake application can easily trigger unrecoverable slides. If turning is neccessary, do so gradually with no sudden movements.
Turn into a skid: If the rear of your vehicle begins to slide, turn your wheel in the direction of the skid. On ice, overcorrecting a skid is easy mistake to make, which can send your car skidding in the other direction. Prepare to have to re-correct in opposite directions multiple times to regain control.
Don't try to physically stop a sliding car: This seems like common sense, but amazingly, many videos of icy road crashes show people opening their doors and trying to stop or slow their moving vehicles with their feet! Not only will your shoes not have any more traction on the ice than your tires do, but the risk of getting crushed or run over far exceeds getting a few small dents on your car.
Icy Bridge Accident Video Clips
Watch cars, trucks and SUVs spin out and crash on icy bridges. Click on each thumbnail to play video:
Icy Bridge Photo Gallery Click each thumbnail to enlarge:
The most insidious type of winter weather threat comes from icy roads, and in particular, icy bridges. Those signs you always see ARE true. A bridge is exposed to air on all of its surfaces - on top, underneath and on its sides. By contrast, a normal road surface is only exposed to air on one side, its top surface. When temperatures drop, this means bridges will cool and accumulate snow and ice faster than roadways on solid ground (watch the animation above).
Icy bridges are arguably the most dangerous type of weather-related hazard, surpassing tornadoes, hurricanes and floods in their threat to the average person. Following these tips will keep you from being the next accident on an iced-over bridge.
