- Black ice warning - as told by our motoring journalist
- Our writer Matt suffered a terrifying crash on black ice
- Rolled his beloved Vauxhall VX220
- Timely reminder of black ice dangers
- We reveal some tips on what to do if you encounter the phenomenon
If you need a true reminder of the real dangers of black ice, read on - because motoring journalists have accidents, too.
The smell of coffee filled the kitchen that morning, while I prepared for an exciting press trip. I’d be meeting Aaron Shelby, Caroll Shelby’s grandson, as the brand known for its exciting muscle cars entered the UK for the first time. God, I was buzzing.
Two days prior, the Met Office issued a yellow warning for ice, something that remained in place on the day of the event. More on that later.
(Matt's pride and joy - the Vauxhall VX220)
The car
Back in 2016, I worked wild hours and saved every penny to buy one of my dream cars: a Vauxhall VX220 in Brilliant Yellow. I remember the day it arrived at my house. I couldn’t believe it. All my hard work had paid off.
That same year, I met my wife. Young love meant we would drive the car throughout Scotland, stopping whenever it rained to put the targa top in place so we wouldn’t get wet. The vehicle was later treated to a lovely 2.5-inch stainless-steel exhaust, which transformed its mundane four-cylinder vacuum-cleaner soundtrack into a pleasant burble.
At one point, the VX220 was my daily driver and covered just under 10,000 miles in a single year. But as I started this job, a trickle of press cars turned into a flow, and the VX was soon parked for months on end in an inflatable carcoon.
72 miles between MOTs was sacrilege. So, this year I decided to fit some lovely carbon fibre extras and treat it to a new light switch cluster. 2026 would be the year of open-top driving.
Two weeks before the accident
Our daily driver, a MINI Paceman Cooper S, was plagued with electrical gremlins, meaning it needed a bit of work. Its MOT was due the week of the event, but the surrounding garages never had any space until the day after. I never had a press car that week, so I had no choice but to take the VX. I say no option with a pinch of salt.
(Local conditions on the day of Matt's accident)
The week of the accident
After a wash and polish, my beloved VX220 was ready for its trip the following day. Likewise, tyres were topped up with air, the empty windscreen washer fluid was refilled, and I did my usual walk around to ensure all the lights were working.
My gut was screaming that morning: 875kg and circa 160hp to the rear wheels. That’s a backroad summer corner carver, not a winter commuter.
Before hitting the road, I rolled up the targa top and folded it neatly in the boot. The only time the car had its roof on was when it rained, but even then, I’d occasionally risk it. I waved to my wife, who stood at the window, clambered over the car’s giant sills before slumping into its low bucket-like seats, and started the engine.
It gleamed in shop windows as I drove past. I was always super proud I had achieved my goal. To some, it’s but an old Vauxhall, but this was my pride and joy. My hard work trophy.
I was on the road. The sun shone, and the light wind gently flicked my hair as it fought against my hair gel. Soon enough, after a short journey through town, the dual carriageway appeared. I remember questioning whether removing the roof was actually a good idea, as by this point, 10 minutes into my journey, I was chittering from the minus temperatures.
A small traffic queue formed behind as I trickled over a long bridge. A usual 60 mph limit, but I was sitting at a leisurely 52 mph. At the end of the bridge is a large roundabout. Again, a nice trickle was enough. After all, having owned the car for 10 years, I knew it could kick, even in the dry.
Leaving the roundabout gave a better view of the glittering dual carriageway ahead, the road in similar condition to the one I had just travelled. Lightly pressing the throttle, the car began building speed.
Then, stillness.
The engine’s thrum remained, but the wheels had clearly disconnected from the tarmac, almost like a giant hook had attached itself to the car, lifting it slightly from the surface.
Kick, the rear overtook the front, and despite attempts to correct, the car glided, although it was still attached to the giant hook. Steering wheel input was useless, and by this point, I felt I’d been sliding for minutes rather than seconds.
In a complete 180 spin, the car’s side was heading for a lamppost, so I braced by pulling myself towards the steering wheel, tucking my head downwards. God knows what was to come. Bang.
(The aftermath)
The car hit a kerb at the side of the dual carriageway, causing it to roll violently through a thorn bush before settling on its roof just 20 yards from the roundabout. Moreover, it narrowly missed a road sign and the lamppost. Then, silence. No beeps. No bongs. No engine noise. I dangled upside down like a bat, held in only by my seatbelt.
While looking around the cabin, I remember running a checklist in my head: “Hands, check. Eyes, check. Blood, not yet. Pain, check.” And then it hit me. With the help of a passerby, I crawled from the car. My hands were covered in blood, something I failed to notice previously.
“God, I’ve got to call my wife,” I grabbed my phone from the wreckage. Its screen protector cracked.
It’s an awful call to make. She knew something was wrong. Not to be dramatic, but I was the one making the call. Not the police, something that could’ve easily happened if I had hit the pole or sign.
You see, the VX220, like its Lotus Elise sibling, has a fibreglass body, which would’ve essentially disintegrated had it hit anything solid.
The police soon arrived, and after a quick chat, they checked the car and walked 20 yards to the beginning of the dual carriageway. “Black ice.” The police officer said. “You’re lucky to be here…” he added.
(The upturned VX220)
Luckily, bracing myself for the crash saved my head from being battered against the tarmac. However, having the roof off meant my gourd took most of the glass from the windscreen and thorns from the bush I rolled through.
My dad, standing under my living room light with a pair of pliers, pulled glass and thorns from my head. We laughed, my system still shocked. Then we hugged, a reminder of how important support can be.
While my physical injuries were minor, nothing could prepare me for the mental challenges ahead. Night after night of visualising the accident. Seeing the pole get gradually closer to the car, knowing there was nothing I could do. Hearing the glass smash as I rolled and then hearing nothing. It haunted me. Taunted me.
Embarrassed? A little. I drive much more powerful cars through my job, so how did this happen? But it’s something that could happen to anyone. God, even F1 drivers have accidents.
Eventually, as time moved on, I learned that there was nothing I could do in the moment. Lesson one: I learned to tune in to my gut. Its voice blared before I set off, but I chose to ignore it. I had to go to work, after all. And lesson two: leave the lightweight sports car, likely fitted with summer tyres, at home if it’s icy.
Here the Select Car Leasing team reveal some tips and techniques to bear in mind if you do encounter black ice this winter.
Master steering and braking techniques: Making sure you have complete control of your car is crucial when dealing with black ice - and how you steer can have a big impact on slippery roads. When encountering black ice, steer gently and avoid sudden movements. Use a light grip on the steering wheel and make small, controlled movements to navigate the icy patches. When it comes to braking, it’s important to use the "threshold braking" technique. Apply the brakes with steady, firm pressure, but avoid slamming them. This allows you to maintain control while slowing down gradually. Trust the anti-lock braking system (ABS) if your car is equipped with it.
Know your car's safety features: Understanding your vehicle's safety features is also vital during winter with the increased likelihood of hazardous roads. Get to know your car's ABS and traction control. These features can be helpful on icy roads, aiding control during slippery conditions. Familiarity with these technologies empowers drivers to make better-informed decisions in challenging winter driving situations. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, including items like a flashlight, blankets, and non-perishable snacks. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, having these supplies can make a significant difference.
Invest in winter tyres: Winter tyres are designed for better grip on icy and snowy roads. Consider getting a set for the colder months. They can significantly improve your vehicle's grip, reducing the likelihood of skidding on black ice.
Understand black ice hotspots: To steer clear of black ice hazards, stay mindful of possible danger zones. Bridges, overpasses and shaded areas are more prone to black ice formation. Approach these areas with extra caution and be prepared for changing road conditions. These locations experience faster cooling, reduced exposure to sunlight and lack ground insulation, creating conditions conducive to the swift formation of black ice.
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