The period of greatest hazard on paved surfaces occurs at the onset of precipitation. This is because oil, grease, and other contaminants accumulate on the road during dry periods. When rain begins, these substances mix with the water, creating a slick film on the asphalt or concrete. A practical illustration is the increased accident rate observed during the first few minutes of rainfall following an extended dry spell.
Understanding this phenomenon is critical for promoting road safety. Awareness allows drivers to exercise increased caution by reducing speed and increasing following distance. This knowledge also informs traffic management strategies, such as deploying warning messages and adjusting speed limits dynamically based on weather conditions. Historically, the development of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control systems was driven, in part, by the need to mitigate the dangers associated with reduced friction in these conditions.
