Streets and highways are most slippery:
Answers
When it has been raining hard for several hours.
When they are clean and dry.
Just after it starts to rain.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Just after it starts to rain.
Explanation:
The first few moments after it starts to rain are when roads and highways are most slippery, especially if the rain follows a dry spell. This is due to a combination of factors:
- Oil and Grease Build-up: Over time, vehicles deposit oils, grease, and other substances on the road. These substances do not get washed away until it rains. When it first begins to rain, the water mixes with these oils, creating a slick, greasy surface. This mixture reduces traction between vehicle tires and the road, making it more difficult to stop or steer.
- Water and Dust on Roads: If there has been no rain for a while, dust and dirt can accumulate on the road. When the rain starts, the water mixes with the dust, forming a slippery, muddy surface that reduces tire grip. This effect is particularly noticeable in the first 15-20 minutes of rain.
- Road Conditions: Some roads are more prone to slickness when it rains because they are made of materials that retain water or have less friction, such as asphalt. The combination of water and these materials leads to a hazardous driving environment, particularly in the early stages of rain.
- Increased Stopping Distance: As roads become slick, vehicles have a longer stopping distance, which can increase the likelihood of accidents if drivers do not adjust their speed or maintain a safe distance. The initial rain causes a slippery film on the road, which makes braking less effective.
Why Not “When It Has Been Raining for Several Hours”?
While roads can remain slippery after prolonged rain, they often become less slippery as the rain continues. This is because the water has had time to wash away oils and dirt, and the road surface can begin to clear, providing better traction as the storm continues.
Conclusion:
It’s most important for drivers to exercise extra caution during the first few minutes of rain, as that’s when roads are typically at their most slippery.