Utah Highway Patrol warns drivers about black ice risks Wednesday night into Thursday morning

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Highway Patrol is urging drivers to stay cautious as black ice poses a potential hazard on the roads Wednesday night. This warning comes after a particularly busy 24 hours for troopers, who have responded to over 100 weather-related crashes since midnight. The majority of incidents have been concentrated in Salt Lake and Utah counties.

“The majority of what we see is people not adjusting for the conditions, either they’re going too fast, following too closely, or just losing control in the snow,” said Lt. Cameron Roden with UHP.

Bridges, ramps and overpasses are especially prone to black ice, as cold air flows above and below these structures. Additionally, black ice can form along roadsides where melting snow has been pushed aside.

UDOT crews have been working diligently over the past day to clear roads. However, with temperatures rising earlier Wednesday and dropping into the low 30s during the night, black ice remains a recurring issue in Utah winters.

“It’s always a good rule of thumb when we’ve had snowstorms like this and we know temperatures are going to be cold, we just anticipate that there is going to be that black ice out there,” said Lt. Roden.

Lt. Roden emphasized the importance of tire maintenance, saying, “having that proper tread on your tires is always good. We want to prevent any type of skid or slide in the first place, and that is the best way to defeat black ice.”

Lt. Roden also advised drivers to remain calm if they encounter black ice, adding, “if you find yourself in a situation where you encounter it, just don’t panic. Get off that gas. Don’t jam on the brakes because those are going to make problems worse.”

Troopers are urging drivers to take extra precautions in Utah’s canyons, where additional efforts are being made to keep roads safe. Slowing down, increasing following distances and ensuring tire tread is in good condition are recommended precautions.

If drivers encounter black ice and are involved in an accident, UHP advises moving the vehicle off the freeway if it is still operable. Taking the nearest exit ensures safety for drivers and troopers, who will respond to the location.