North Texas doesn’t get many icy days, but when it does, the roads change fast. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, highways turn slick and suddenly cars are sliding into medians all over the Metroplex.
The tricky part is that most DFW drivers don’t get much practice on ice. And during an ice event, tow trucks are dealing with slick roads too.
Here’s how to handle black ice and freezing rain, what to do if you slide off the road and when it actually makes sense to call for a tow.
During an ice event in DFW, the safest choice is to stay off the roads if you can. If you must drive, slow down, leave extra space and treat every bridge and overpass as icy. If you slide off the road and your car is stuck or damaged, stay inside with your seatbelt on, turn on hazards and call for help. Call 911 first if anyone is hurt or you’re blocking traffic. Expect longer tow wait times during widespread ice.
What Is Black Ice?
Black ice is a thin, clear layer of ice on the road. It doesn’t look white or frosty. It just looks wet, which is why it catches drivers by surprise.
In North Texas, it often forms:
- On bridges and overpasses, which freeze before regular roads
- In shaded areas under trees or buildings
- Early in the morning and after sunset
- After freezing rain or drizzle, which coats everything in a glaze
DFW has a lot of elevated highways and interchanges, like the High Five and the Mixmaster, so ice can be a bigger problem here than drivers expect.
Should You Drive at All?
If you don’t have to be on the road during an ice event, don’t be. Local officials often warn drivers to stay home during ice storms for good reason. Ice doesn’t just affect your driving; it affects every driver around you.
If you must drive:
- Slow down well below the speed limit.
- Leave a lot of space, several times your normal following distance.
- Brake gently and early. Hard braking can cause a skid.
- Avoid cruise control.
- Don’t make sudden turns or lane changes.
- Treat every bridge as icy, even if the road before it looked fine.
What to Do If You Start to Skid
- Stay calm and take your foot off the gas.
- Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
- Don’t slam the brakes. If you have ABS, press firmly and steadily, and let the system pulse.
- Look where you want to go, not at what you’re trying to avoid.
If You Slide Off the Road
Sliding into a ditch, median or curb is common during ice events. Here’s what to do:
- Stay in the car with your seatbelt on. Walking on ice next to traffic is dangerous, and other cars may slide toward you.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Don’t spin your tires trying to get out. It can dig you in deeper or send the car sliding.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear if you’re running the engine for heat. A blocked pipe can push carbon monoxide into the car.
- Call for help with your exact location.
When Should You Call a Tow?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Car is stuck but undamaged, in a safe spot | Wait for conditions to improve or call for a winch-out |
| Car slid off and is damaged | Call for a wrecker service |
| Car is in a travel lane | Call 911 first, then a tow |
| Dead battery from the cold | Call for a jump start |
| Car won’t drive after hitting a curb | Call for an emergency tow |
| Accident with injuries | Call 911 first |
Why Tow Wait Times Are Longer in Ice
During a widespread ice event, many drivers need help at once, and tow operators are working on the same slick roads. Trucks have to drive slowly, and many highway crashes take extra time to clear safely. Some areas may also be closed by police.
If your car is in a safe spot and no one is hurt, waiting for roads to improve can sometimes be faster and safer than an immediate tow. If you’re in danger, always call for help right away.
Winter Car Kit for North Texas
- Blanket and warm clothes
- Water and snacks
- Phone charger
- Flashlight
- Ice scraper
- Small bag of sand or kitty litter for traction
- Reflective triangles
Prepare Your Car Before the Freeze
- Check your battery. Cold weather is hard on weak batteries.
- Check tire pressure and tread. Tire pressure drops as it gets colder.
- Fill washer fluid with a winter mix.
- Replace worn wipers.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
24/7 Winter Towing Across DFW
Alpha Tow Truck Services has been on DFW roads since 2005. Our 24 hour towing and wrecker teams work through winter weather across Dallas, Plano, Garland, Rowlett, Irving, Mesquite, McKinney and Richardson.
Call (214) 225-6493 or request dispatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does black ice form first in DFW?
On bridges, overpasses and shaded spots, especially in the early morning and after dark.
Should I get out of my car if I slide off an icy road?
Usually no. Stay buckled in with hazards on, unless the car is unsafe, and call for help.
Do tow trucks operate during ice storms?
Yes, but wait times are often longer because roads are slick and demand is high.
Should I spin my tires to get out of a ditch?
No. Spinning can dig the car in deeper or cause it to slide. Call for a winch-out instead.
How do I prepare my car for a North Texas freeze?
Check the battery and tires, fill winter washer fluid, replace wipers and keep a winter kit in the car.