Raleigh driver dies on Christmas after driving over black ice and losing control
A 64-year-old died in Raleigh Sunday after driving over a sheet of black ice and losing control of his vehicle, according to police.
Around 9:15 p.m. on Christmas, Salieu Njie was driving a white 2004 Nissan Xterra SUV. He was northbound on Atlantic Avenue, approaching the intersection of Atlantic Springs Road, the Raleigh Police Department said in a release. Another driver in a gray 2016 Mazda CX-5T sedan was driving southbound on Atlantic.
The preliminary police investigation shows Njie drove over a sheet of ice, then drove into oncoming traffic and struck the Mazda. Njie then hit a tree and the vehicle burst into flames, per RPD.
Njie died at the scene, while the other driver sustained minor injuries. No charges have been filed, and the case is still under investigation.
How to drive in winter, with black ice
Black ice is often the result of melting snow and ice that freezes into thin layers, appearing as a wet spot on the road. You might not be able to see it at all.
Follow these safety tips from the N.C. Department of Transportation for driving in wintry weather, including with black ice on the road:
• Don’t drive unless you absolutely must. The safest way to avoid black ice is to stay off the roads.
• If you need to, drive at a slow speed and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you
• If you start to slide, don’t panic. Follow the instructions below.
If you start to slide:
Avoid using your brakes if possible. If it’s necessary, use them gently. Apply gentle, steady pressure to anti-lock brakes. For standard brakes that are not anti-lock, pump the brake pedal gently to avoid locking up.
Wait for your vehicle to slow down enough to regain traction before gently accelerating.
For rear-wheel skids, turn the steering wheel in the direction your rear wheels are headed. Instead of focusing on what your vehicle might be headed toward, focus on getting out of the skid.
For front-wheel skids, shift into neutral and don’t try to steer immediately. When your vehicle begins to slow down, steer in the direction that you want your vehicle to go. Then, put the vehicle into gear and gently accelerate.
If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Applying the brakes will cause you to further lose control of your vehicle.
If you get stuck:
Don’t spin your wheels (doing so will only dig you in deeper). Instead, turn them from side to side to help clear snow, and then turn the steering wheel so the tires are as straight as possible.
Use a shovel to clear the snow in front of and behind your tires.
Spread cat litter, sand or salt in the cleared areas around your wheels.
Another strategy involves rocking the vehicle back and forth. (Check your owner’s manual first; some vehicle transmissions might be damaged using this strategy.) Shift from forward to reverse and back again, using a light touch on the gas pedal. Resist the temptation to spin your wheels.
(Source: ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/safety)
