[Blog] “More Dangerous Than Heavy Snow: The Hidden Threat of Black Ice” — A Winter Driving Safety Guide for Furano

When visiting Furano in winter, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the snowy landscape and the excitement of seasonal activities.
But one critical challenge remains: transportation.

Public transport is limited, and during peak tourist seasons, even finding a taxi can be difficult.
(This is a serious local issue that’s gaining more attention every year.)

As a result, many visitors opt to rent a car — but driving on winter roads can be intimidating.
Most people worry about deep snow, blizzards, or getting stuck. But there’s one danger often overlooked.
Black ice — the invisible threat.
To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it’s crucial to understand the risks and take proper precautions.

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What Is Black Ice?

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on the surface of the road.
It looks like the road is just wet, making it difficult to notice — until your tires start slipping.

Common black ice hotspots include:

• Bridges and overpasses (where cold air circulates underneath)
• Tunnel entrances and exits (due to sudden temperature shifts)
• Roads that were wet in the day and freeze at night
• Damp pavement around 0°C (32°F) — especially dangerous

Always check the weather and road conditions before driving.

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Surprisingly… Snowy Days Might Be Safer?

It may come as a surprise, but extremely cold days (below -20°C) or those with thick, compacted snow often offer more traction than you’d expect.
It’s the “warmer” days, when temperatures hover around freezing, that are more dangerous.

Watch out during temperature transitions — especially late at night or early morning around 0°C. That’s prime time for black ice to form.

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How to Spot and Avoid Black Ice

Pay special attention when driving through:

• Bridges (cold air below increases freeze risk)
• Tunnel entrances and exits (temperature drops lead to sudden freezing)
• Melted snow puddles during the day (which freeze overnight)

In these areas, slow down and drive with extra caution.

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The Basics of Safe Winter Driving: Avoid Sudden Movements

基It sounds simple, but this golden rule saves lives:

Avoid all “sudden” driving actions.

• Sudden acceleration
• Sudden braking
• Sudden steering

Stick to the speed limit — or drive even slower if you’re unsure.
Smooth, gentle inputs can greatly reduce your risk of sliding.

And most importantly:

If you’re not confident, don’t drive.
That’s not weakness — it’s smart decision-making.

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Yes, You Can Drive Safely in Furano’s Winter

Furano’s winter roads are generally wide and open, and with a calm approach, they’re manageable.
In return, you’ll be rewarded with incredible winter scenery and majestic views that only Hokkaido in winter can offer.

So please, keep safety top of mind — and enjoy an unforgettable winter adventure.

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Don’t Rush, Don’t Let Your Guard Down — Travel Smart

Winter roads can be handled well if you’re prepared both physically and mentally.
Most accidents happen when people are in a hurry or let their guard down.

If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to check with local traffic advisories or tourist information centers. They’re there to help you travel safely.

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