Ice danger spots — District of Columbia Permit Test

There is no such thing as a "completely safe" speed on ice and snow.

Ice can be anywhere on a winter road, so even a slow car can lose grip.

There is no such thing as a “completely safe” speed on ice and snow.

Blacktop roads can easily hide a thin layer of ice, sometimes known as black ice, produced by melting and re-freezing.

Black ice looks like a wet road, so drivers do not slow down until the car is already sliding.

Blacktop roads [asphalt highways] can easily hide a thin layer of ice produced by melting and re-freezing (sometimes known as black ice) can cause a crash if you are not aware of the danger.

Ramps and bridges freeze first, before highways and roads.

Cold air flows under a bridge as well as over it, so it ices up while the road before it is still just wet.

Remember: Ramps and bridges freeze first before highways and roads.

Plowed roads may refreeze at night or have icy patches from the daylight thawing of snow.

Snow that melted in the afternoon sun turns back to ice after dark on a road that looks clear.

plowed roads may refreeze at night or have icy patches from the daylight thawing of snow.

Four-wheel drive vehicles slide on ice and snow too; do not assume you can drive on ice and snow the way you would on dry pavement.

Four-wheel drive helps you get moving, but it does not help you stop or turn on ice.

Four-wheel drive vehicles slide on ice and snow too.

What is a completely safe speed on ice and snow?

There is no such speed. Ice can be anywhere on a winter road, so even a slow car can lose grip. DC Driver Manual, p.44: “There is no such thing as a “completely safe” speed on ice and snow.”