The Hidden Danger of Black Ice: What Makes Michigan Roads So Treacherous

Black Ice: Michigan’s Silent Winter Hazard Drivers across Michigan dread one phrase every winter: black ice. Nearly invisible on the pavement, black ice forms when rain or melted snow freezes into a thin, transparent layer, creating slick, mirror-like surfaces that cause countless crashes each year. Where Black Ice Strikes Most Often Black ice isn’t random - it forms under specific conditions. Common hotspots include: Bridges and overpasses (cool faster than ground-level roads) Shaded areas that never see sunlight Interchanges and ramps on I-96, US-131, and I-496 Residential side streets after partial snowmelt refreezes overnight Drivers in both Grand Rapids and Lansing encounter these hidden dangers all winter long,...