When are roads the slickest?

When are roads the slickest?

• A. When the rain first starts
• B. During heavy rain after it has started to fall
• C. When the roads are completely dry
• D. During light drizzle

Answer: (C)

Roads are slickest when rain first starts to fall. Dry pavement gives good traction, but as the rain hits, a thin film of water combines with oil and grime on the surface, creating a very slick layer that reduces tire grip. The car may feel slower to respond to steering and braking because that slick film is forming. As rain continues, some of that film is washed away and the surface becomes simply wet, so traction improves somewhat, though it can still be slippery. In heavier rain, standing water can cause hydroplaning, which is another form of slickness, especially at higher speeds. So the peak danger is those initial moments of rainfall, making it important to slow down and increase following distance as soon as rain begins.

Roads are slickest when rain first starts to fall. Dry pavement gives good traction, but as the rain hits, a thin film of water combines with oil and grime on the surface, creating a very slick layer that reduces tire grip. The car may feel slower to respond to steering and braking because that slick film is forming. As rain continues, some of that film is washed away and the surface becomes simply wet, so traction improves somewhat, though it can still be slippery. In heavier rain, standing water can cause hydroplaning, which is another form of slickness, especially at higher speeds. So the peak danger is those initial moments of rainfall, making it important to slow down and increase following distance as soon as rain begins.