Originally Posted by
Hypno Toad
Kinda funny, the Minneapolis people are all saying the same thing about black ice - commonly form at sub-zero temps from auto exhaust at traffic lights. I know that CO gets cold enough to see these conditions, not sure why you're arguing with the MN peoples ?? I could understand someone in LA, but you should understand this version of black ice. It is damn hard to see (it is not white at all) and the uninitiated/inattentive will be caught off guard - and at the wrong time, when your hitting the brakes for a red light.
No, they aren't saying the same thing. I'm not saying that black ice doesn't form. What I am saying is that it is rare and is all to often used as an excuse. I've had my share of experiences with ice of many different varieties. What I would call "black" forms when the road is wet from freezing drizzle or from refreezing of melt water. I've never seen "invisible" ice. If it is cold and there is moisture in the air, there is a reasonable expectation of that ice is present. Far too many people use "black ice" as an excuse for "I was driving too fast and not paying attention".