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When Are Roads Slippery? Road Safety during the Rains

  • Safety Tips
  • Silas Smith
  • 4 minutes

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The roads can get mostly slippery during different weather conditions, mainly in winter and when it rains. The latter is what many people are least bothered about.  Most of these weather-related accidents and mishaps can be prevented if you have basic knowledge about what causes them. You know what they say: Prevention is better than cure. 

We will help you learn more about slippery roads, what you should do when the road is slippery and how to prevent accidents. But, for now, we will focus on when the road is most slippery when it rains. You will also read more about the factors that cause roads to be slippery. 

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Why is the road slippery when it rains? 

During winter, frozen water forms roadway icing, leading to many unfortunate accidents that could lead to injuries or even death. Many states in the US face this issue during the winter months. But similarly, you have to know that roads become slippery during rain too. Despite having very few instances of accidents caused by rain than in winter, you have to be careful not to end up in one of those rare instances. 

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For this, knowledge of when the road is most slippery during rain is very crucial. All roads will have accumulated oil, chemicals, dust, and other fluids over the course of time. The extent of this collection of oil and other particles like organic compounds will determine how slippery the road becomes when it rains. 

How long should it rain to make the road slippery? 

As you read above, it is usually not the rainwater that makes the road slippery most when it rains. Instead, the oil rises to the surface, which is the villain in this scenario. But what causes the oil to rise to the road surface is the rainwater. Yet, at the same time, the same rainwater washes off the oil and other fluids. 

via GIPHY

But only fresh showers after a long time can cause this. Imagine it has been raining continuously for a few days. Most of the oil and other chemicals would have been already washed away after the first hour of rain. So by the second day, you can be fully certain that the roads will not be slippery anymore, depending on the condition of your car’s tires. 

When is the road most slippery due to rain? 

When driving in the rain, the road becomes the most slippery during the first few minutes. The first rain after a long time will bring out the oil and other organic compounds deposited in the asphalt. These will form a thin layer on top of the roadway, and even the best tires may not offer enough traction to keep the vehicle under your control. It is always advised not to speed when it rains and to use headlights for proper visibility. 

Other causes for slipping and sliding during rains 

Rainwater and Poor tire health: Apart from when roads are slippery, both these can together cause your car to slip or slide. If your tire is old with very little traction left, it would be better to change it before the next rainy season.  

via GIPHY

Change in temperature: When it starts raining, the temperature usually drops suddenly. The change in temperature can cause the tire pressure to drop as well. This will add up to the natural loss of pressure inside the tires and makes controlling the car difficult. 

Conclusion 

So, now you know the road is most slippery during the first 10 to 20 minutes after the first drop of rain falls. Prepare yourself and your car before going for a drive in the rain. Check the tires and make sure they have proper air pressure before starting the engine. Also, a basic idea of the roads you often take can help identify high-risk areas and thus avoid them. Besides, choosing good car insurance can also help you in the event of slippery road trouble. 


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