How can you recognize black ice on the road?

Recognizing black ice on the road primarily involves being attentive to visual cues, with shiny patches on the pavement being the most significant indicator. Black ice often forms undetectably on the roadway, particularly in shaded areas, and gives the surface a glossy or reflective appearance, making it appear like wet pavement. This visual characteristic can easily be misperceived, leading to a lack of caution if drivers are unaware.

Using a temperature gauge, while helpful in some contexts, does not directly indicate the presence of black ice, since the actual conditions of the road can vary even when temperatures are at freezing or below. Additionally, the misconception that black ice can only be detected at night or solely during snowy weather overlooks that it can form in various conditions, including on dry roads following a rain. Thus, the best method to detect it is by observing those shiny patches, as they are a clear sign that the road may be treacherously slippery.