Black ice

Black ice is different from normal ice conditions as the ice is frozen with few air bubbles inside, making it appear transparent. The black ice takes on the appearance of the surface underneath, making it nearly impossible to see. As our roads are generally made up of black asphalt it is therefore labelled 'black ice', and is generally slippier than normal forms of ice.

The term 'black ice' can also be used in areas with little or no rain. The small quantities of oil from passing vehicles that collect on the road surface create a film for water, when it does eventually rain, creating a double layer of water and oil between the passing vehicles and the road.