Authorities Warn of Black Ice on I-45
League City officials are monitoring Interstate 45 near Santa Fe for black ice after several crashes occurred during recent freezing temperatures. The city is working with county and state transportation authorities to issue alerts to drivers. Motorists in the area are being urged to use caution.
- Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that is notoriously difficult to see on pavement, making it appear as if the road is simply wet. This transparency is what makes it blend in with the road surface, posing a significant danger to unsuspecting drivers. - This hazardous condition typically forms when temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower after rain, or when previously melted snow and ice refreeze as temperatures fall overnight. It can also occur when moisture in the air from dew or fog freezes on the roadway. - Bridges and overpasses are especially prone to black ice because cold air circulates both above and below the road surface, causing them to freeze more rapidly than other parts of the highway. Shaded areas where sunlight can't melt the ice are also common trouble spots. - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) prepares for such conditions by pre-treating major roadways, especially bridges and overpasses, with a brine solution—a mixture of salt and water. This solution lowers the freezing point of water, making it more difficult for ice to bond to the pavement. - If a vehicle hits a patch of black ice, safety experts advise drivers to remain calm and do as little as possible. They should not slam on the brakes; instead, they should keep the steering wheel straight and ease their foot off the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow down naturally. - The risk of black ice in Texas is highest from November through February, when average temperatures are at their lowest. Because freezing temperatures are relatively infrequent in parts of the state, many drivers are not experienced with handling icy conditions, which can contribute to accidents.
