Black ice is most likely to form on:

Question: Black ice is most likely to form on:

Answer options:

• Dry pavement ✅ Bridges, overpasses and shaded areas
• Hot asphalt
• Gravel roads

Correct answer: Bridges, overpasses and shaded areas

Explanation: Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are highly susceptible to black ice because they lose heat and cool down much faster than standard roadways. Cold air circulating both above and beneath elevated structures rapidly freezes any moisture, while shaded spots lack the sunlight needed to melt ice. Conversely, dry pavement lacks water to freeze, hot asphalt melts ice, and gravel roads do not support the formation of a continuous, invisible glaze. SAAQ safe-driving guidelines dictate that motorists must anticipate these freezing hazards and proactively reduce their speed. Identifying these invisible winter hazards is a highly relevant, frequently tested concept on the Québec theoretical exam.