Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

When is a road most slippery due to rain?

1. After it rains for a long time

2. After it begins to rain

3. After it stops raining

4. While it is raining heavily

The correct answer is: After it begins to rain

A road is most slippery shortly after it begins to rain due to the initial interactions between rainwater and the oil and debris that accumulate on the road surface. During dry weather, oil from vehicles, dust, and other materials build up on the asphalt. When it first starts to rain, the water mixes with these substances, creating a slick, slippery layer. This surface remains hazardous for drivers, especially if they are not aware of the conditions, as tires can lose traction more easily during this early stage of rain. Once the rain continues for a while, the water begins to wash away the oil and debris, which can reduce the slipperiness of the road, making the roads less hazardous. After the rain stops, the moisture on the surface may still create slick conditions, but the most dangerous moments are typically right after the rain begins. Heavy rain can also create pooling or flooding, which poses different hazards, but the slipperiness due to the oil and debris is primarily a concern at the very beginning of rain.