What is the safest action to take when your vehicle drives over black ice?

When driving over black ice, the safest action is to calmly remove your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps maintain control of the vehicle during a slippery situation. Black ice is particularly dangerous because it is often invisible and can cause a loss of traction. By easing off the accelerator, you reduce sudden movements that could lead to further skidding.

Steering in the direction you want to go helps you regain control over the vehicle, as turning the steering wheel can guide the vehicle back onto a safer path. Maintaining a smooth, controlled approach is crucial because abrupt actions, like accelerating or braking hard, can exacerbate the loss of traction, leading to a spin or crash.

In contrast, other options might induce panic or lead to more severe handling issues. For example, accelerating to gain traction or braking hard can make the vehicle uncontrollable on black ice, while turning on hazard lights and slowing down may be helpful in other situations, it does not address the immediate need for control over the vehicle when it encounters a slippery surface.