How can you identify if a road is icy?

Identifying an icy road can often be done by observing the appearance of the pavement. A shiny surface, particularly in shaded areas, typically indicates the presence of ice. These areas tend to remain colder than those exposed to sunlight, making them more prone to freezing and creating a slick surface that reflects light, giving it a shiny appearance.

Road signs indicating ice can provide helpful warnings, but they might not always be present or accurate depending on local conditions. Checking the weather forecast can inform drivers about potential icy conditions, but it does not provide real-time assessment about specific road surfaces. Feeling the road temperature is not practical or safe while driving, and does not provide immediate visual confirmation of icy conditions. Hence, the appearance of shiny surfaces in shaded areas serves as a reliable visual cue for drivers to identify icy roads effectively.