Ice, snow melts on roads leaving dangerous black ice for motorists

CHARLOTTE — Across the Carolinas, cars have been slipping and sliding on icy roads as the impact of Sunday’s winter storm is still being felt.

Highways turned into ice rinks as drivers trying to get in and out of uptown did their best to avoid becoming part of the mess. Still, many failed.

On Monday, Jen Thompson with the North Carolina Department of Transportation warned of hidden dangers.

“Just because (the road) has been treated and just because you may not see ice it doesn’t mean black ice is not a possibility,” Thompson said.

Monday was a holiday, so traffic was cut down, but the roads may be busier on Tuesday as people brave the slick roads to head to work.

“You’re still going to maybe run into some problems, maybe in a shaded area,” Thompson said. “

“(Tuesday) morning again is going to be where you want to be cautious,” Thompson said. “Where you will need extra time to get to work or drop the kids off at school and be prepared for more traffic.”

If your car was dinged up during the last few days, you may be looking for a body shop.

These shops may be busier than usual after the storm and it may be tempting to take the first opening you can get.

Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke warns it is important to be careful when choosing to ensure the work not only gets done but gets done well.

Before you make your choice, Action 9 offers this advice:

• Do your homework. Look up reviews online. And, even better, use “word of mouth” when it comes to body shops. Trust your friends.
• Get more than one estimate. Three is ideal — if you can. But don’t automatically go with the lowest price.
• Ask questions. What kind of warranty does the shop give on its work? Is that in writing? Keep in mind: a “lifetime” warranty isn’t unreasonable to expect.

Watch out for body shops that contact you out of the blue.

Action 9 has reported on this issue before. Shops get police reports, they’ll call you after you’ve been in a wreck and then may even make it sound like ‘your’ insurance arranged that shop to do the work.

It doesn’t work that way. Your insurance shouldn’t tell you which shop to use.

Remember, it’s your car, it’s your choice, Stoogenke said.

(WATCH BELOW: Body shop owner Action 9 has been covering for years banned, ordered to pay customers thousands)

Body shop owner Action 9?s been covering for years banned, ordered to pay customers thousands Body shop owner Action 9?s been covering for years banned, ordered to pay customers thousands

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