A 3-minute lesson from the Oklahoma course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Slick roads cut your traction and lengthen your stops. On ice there is very little you can do once a skid starts, so the best skid control is prevention. In rain, the first few minutes are the most dangerous.
Know the rule
When road or weather conditions could make you lose control, drive cautiously, slow down, and be ready for an emergency, for the drivers ahead as well as yourself.
Get the feel of the road: test your brakes gently after the car is moving to find out how much traction you have. Traction varies with traffic use and sunshine or shade.
As a general rule, if the car starts to skid, take your foot off the brake and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid, if you can do so without running off the road, hitting something or steering into oncoming traffic.
Roads are likely to be very slick just after it begins to rain or drizzle. The first few drops loosen built-up grease and dirt, covering the road with a slippery film.
It's the first drizzle after two dry weeks. The road looks only damp, but oil and dirt have just lifted into a slippery film. Slow down, add following distance, and brake gently.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When are roads often most slippery after rain begins?
After an hour of steady rain
Only during a downpour
Roads are never slippery in light rain
In the first few minutes of rain
Answer: In the first few minutes of rain
The first few drops loosen built-up grease and dirt, creating a slick film.