Is the Road Slippery During Rain or After Rain?
3 Answers
At the beginning of rain, the road surface is most prone to becoming slippery. Extended information about driving in rainy weather is as follows: 1. Overview: The incidence of car accidents in rainy weather is five times higher than in sunny weather. When driving in windy and rainy conditions during summer, the driver's visibility is obstructed, and the viewing distance is shorter, especially during heavy rainstorms when the windshield wipers cannot promptly clear the rainwater from the windshield, leaving the driver's vision blurred. 2. Maintain Good Visibility: Besides driving cautiously when on the road in rainy weather, it is essential to promptly turn on the windshield wipers. In dim weather conditions, the low beam and fog lights should also be activated. If there is frost on the front windshield, turn on the air conditioning and direct the cold air towards the front windshield. If the rear windshield has frost, activate the rear windshield heater to quickly eliminate the frost and prevent obstructed visibility of vehicles behind.
I feel the road is most slippery when it rains, as raindrops hitting the road surface reduce tire traction, especially during heavy rain—driving fast can make the car feel a bit floaty. However, in urban areas, roads after the rain might be even more dangerous. Although the rain has stopped, the road remains wet, and leaked oil or dust washed onto the surface forms an oily layer, like a coat of lubricant. Once, I drove on a road right after the rain stopped and experienced a slight skid when braking, which gave me quite a scare. The initial period after the rain stops requires extra caution, as areas with lingering water are more prone to causing slips. In daily driving, I always remind myself to slow down, maintain steady control, and leave more braking distance, whether it's raining or just stopped. It’s also wise to check tire wear in advance. The slipperiness worsens in cold weather or during morning rush hours, so keeping a safe distance is advisable—safety first, after all.
I usually ride a bicycle or drive a small electric scooter to work. When it rains, the roads do get slippery, especially when turning on streets and alleys. After rainwater washes over the road surface, the reduced grip makes it easy to skid. However, the period right after the rain stops is even more troublesome. The water hasn’t evaporated yet, particularly in the evening or on cloudy days, and the road’s reflection makes it hard to see puddles clearly. One careless moment, and you might slip. Once, after the rain stopped, I accelerated on my way home from work and hit a puddle, causing the wheels to skid sharply. Thankfully, I reacted quickly and avoided a fall. During these times, the resistance between the tires and the water decreases, making the road even slicker right after the rain stops compared to during the rain itself. I suggest not rushing to accelerate right after the rain stops—turn on your lights or slow down, and try to avoid puddles by detouring if possible. The main culprit is the oil residue left on the road after being washed by rainwater. Pay extra attention to anti-slip shoes or check your vehicle’s safety systems to prevent accidents.
