WHP: slow down and turn off cruise control in icy conditions

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse Lieutenant Erik Jorgensen from the Wyoming Highway Patrol spoke on the number one cause of most winter sliding accidents on local highways and the Interstate. 

Lt. E. Jorgensen 

One should never use a cruise control option in raining or snowy weather conditions. Motorists should deactivate the cruise control in the event they risk running onto black ice. Black ice is a  term used due to the tendency of the ice appearing black in color like the pavement on the road. Black ice is actually clear, hard and smooth. This all too often causes motorists to assume the roadway is clear. Black ice can form due to freezing rain, a melt off of snowy roads during the day and can even form from the heat of tires on a busy roadway combined with freezing temperatures.

Jorgensen also warned motorists of the danger of crossing bridges during the icy part of the year. According to the Highway Patrol Lieutenant, motorists should exercise a little more caution while crossing bridges during the winter driving season. 

Lt. E. Jorgensen 

When coming upon a bridge in icy conditions, Jorgensen suggests removing your foot from the accelerator as you approach the bridge while maintaining control of the vehicle in a straight trajectory. While crossing the bridge do not accelerate or apply the brake unless absolutely necessary. Doing so may cause the vehicle to slide, resulting in a spin or running off the road.