One of the worst situations any driver can encounter is a surprise. When that surprise is a total loss of traction or grip, the results are frightening and often fatal.

The dictionary describes black ice as "a thin, nearly invisible coating of ice that forms on paved surfaces." We call it a problem of the highest order.

It can be all but invisible and even blend in nicely with grey or darker surfaces. Early and late winter are the most likely periods when we'll encounter black ice. It usually forms at dawn or just before dusk, when a millimetre-thin layer of condensation on the road is created by a difference between air and surface temperatures.

This tiny and often invisible layer can appear at other times of the day and year as well. But it is particularly prominent at this time, when the sun still has some punch but the ground is cool.

Another situation, which often surprises motorists, occurs when the road is damp on a sunny day. When the sun is out, it generates enough surface heat to maintain the moisture in a liquid state. But when it goes behind a cloud or is shaded by a tree or other object, the resultant minor drop in temperature may be enough to convert that liquid to solid ice. Even a single degree can do it.

We are differentiating between black ice and "normal" ice, which is frozen surface water, but both require the same degree of caution and reaction.

The first step is surviving an encounter with black ice is to be alert for its presence. For example:

If the road is damp and the temperature is hovering near the freezing point, look well down the road for shaded areas, where the sun is blocked. Slow down and be very wary. Even if the road is dry, such shaded areas might be damp and contain black ice as they haven't been dried off by the sun.

Watch oncoming vehicles for signs of moisture. Are their wipers on? Is there moisture dripping off the undercarriage? Are the oncoming motorists driving slowly or seem to be displaying extra caution? These might be an indication there is an unpleasant surprise waiting over the next hill or around the coming corner. This is especially likely at dawn and dusk, when the sun is low on the horizon and even minor elevation changes will create shadows and likely black ice spots.

If you do find yourself coming on to an area of black ice, slow down and try to keep the steering straight, if possible. Slowing down means getting off the accelerator. Do this smoothly, don't snap your foot off the gas -- this will transfer more weight to the front tires too quickly, increasing the likelihood they won't be able to cope with all the forces placed on them when they hit the ice.

If you have time to brake before the ice, do so, but if not, avoid the brakes unless you have ABS. If so-equipped you can apply the brakes at any point.

If you encounter black ice with the steering, and thus front wheels, turned, you will likely encounter what is known as understeer -- the front of the vehicle will keep going straight regardless of steering input. As with all vehicle control issues, the trick is to avoid sudden movement and panic.

The vast majority of crashes are caused by the initial reaction to a problem being too violent, not necessarily wrong. Avoid the tendency to turn the wheel even more, when the front looses grip -- it is a natural reaction, but the wrong one. Do just the opposite: Straighten the steering wheel, turn in the direction the vehicle is going. While this may be counterintuitive, it will allow the treads of the front tires to gain grip sooner, as speed comes down.

And be ready for the secondary reaction when the front tires regain grip after crossing over a patch of black ice. If the steering wheel is turned, the front tires will suddenly have traction and snatch the vehicle violently in the direction they are turned. That's a good thing if you're headed for trouble and still going too quickly to avoid it, but a bad thing if you're not ready or have turned the wheel too much in panic.

Remember, look for conditions that will create black ice and avoid panic and sudden movement should you encounter it.

Halifax-based Richard Russell

runs a driving school.